Salary for Senior-level / Expert AI Specialist during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert AI Specialist salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 215,600 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert AI Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Specialist job listings are Machine Learning, Generative AI and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Machine Learning | 72 jobs Generative AI | 72 jobs Python | 59 jobs Engineering | 58 jobs LLMs | 57 jobs Azure | 47 jobs Computer Science | 46 jobs Consulting | 45 jobs AWS | 44 jobs NLP | 43 jobs Deep Learning | 37 jobs Architecture | 35 jobs PyTorch | 33 jobs TensorFlow | 32 jobs Security | 30 jobs Research | 28 jobs Computer Vision | 27 jobs GCP | 25 jobs APIs | 25 jobs Prompt engineering | 25 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert AI Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Specialist job listings are Career development, Team events and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 79 jobs Team events | 38 jobs Flex hours | 35 jobs Health care | 32 jobs Competitive pay | 30 jobs Equity / stock options | 29 jobs Conferences | 21 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs 401(k) matching | 14 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Parental leave | 8 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Insurance | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Flexible spending account | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert AI Specialist typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 60% to 80%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package in startups or large tech firms, potentially making up 10% to 20% of the total compensation. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher equity components, while regions with a lower cost of living might offer a higher base salary. Industry and company size also play a role; for instance, financial services might offer higher bonuses, while smaller startups might compensate with more equity.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 165,825, consider pursuing leadership roles such as AI Team Lead or Chief AI Officer, which come with higher compensation. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can also make you more valuable. Additionally, gaining experience in managing large-scale AI projects or developing proprietary AI technologies can enhance your profile. Networking within the industry and attending AI conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, negotiating your salary based on market research and your unique skills can also lead to an increase.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level AI Specialist roles require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve research and development of new AI technologies. These advanced degrees provide a deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, data structures, and statistical methods, which are crucial for high-level AI work. Additionally, coursework in mathematics, statistics, and programming is essential.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. Certifications such as the TensorFlow Developer Certificate, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, or the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate are well-regarded in the industry. These certifications validate your skills in specific AI tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level AI Specialist is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in AI, machine learning, or data science roles. This experience should include hands-on work with AI models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior team members, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also highly valued. A proven track record of successful AI implementations and contributions to AI research can set you apart.

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