Salary for Senior-level / Expert Director of Machine Learning in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Director of Machine Learning salary lies between USD 181,000 and USD 349,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Director of Machine Learning roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Director of Machine Learning job listings are Machine Learning, Engineering and PyTorch. 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 | 4 jobs Engineering | 4 jobs PyTorch | 3 jobs Kubernetes | 3 jobs AWS | 3 jobs Research | 3 jobs Finance | 3 jobs Testing | 3 jobs GCP | 3 jobs Azure | 3 jobs ML models | 3 jobs Agile | 3 jobs Docker | 3 jobs Computer Science | 3 jobs Generative AI | 3 jobs API Development | 2 jobs Spark | 2 jobs Data pipelines | 2 jobs Architecture | 2 jobs GitLab | 2 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Director of Machine Learning roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Director of Machine Learning job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Competitive pay. 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 | 4 jobs Startup environment | 2 jobs Competitive pay | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Equity / stock options | 1 jobs Health care | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Director of Machine Learning can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary package includes a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation. This base salary can range from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. In addition to the base salary, bonuses are a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability. These bonuses can constitute 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Equity or stock options are also frequently offered, especially in tech companies or startups, and can make up 10% to 30% of the total package. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks can further enhance the overall compensation.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the Director level, consider pursuing roles such as Vice President of Machine Learning, Chief Data Officer, or Chief Technology Officer. These positions typically offer higher compensation and greater responsibilities. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging AI technologies, such as deep learning or natural language processing, can make you more valuable. Networking with industry leaders, attending conferences, and publishing research can also enhance your reputation and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider negotiating your compensation package by leveraging offers from other companies or demonstrating your impact on the organization's success.

Educational Requirements

For a Director of Machine Learning position, a strong educational background is essential. Most candidates hold at least a master's degree in computer science, data science, machine learning, or a related field. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially in research-intensive roles or at leading tech companies. This advanced education provides a deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, statistical methods, and data analysis techniques, which are crucial for leading AI initiatives.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise in AI and machine learning. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications can validate your skills in specific platforms and tools, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Director of Machine Learning is expected to have at least 10 to 15 years of experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Leadership experience is also crucial, as the role involves managing teams, setting strategic directions, and overseeing complex projects. Experience in a specific industry, such as finance, healthcare, or technology, can be advantageous, as it provides domain-specific insights that can drive successful AI implementations.

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