Salary for Senior-level / Expert Lead Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Lead Engineer salary lies between USD 154,000 and USD 231,000 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Lead Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Lead Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python and Machine Learning. 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:

Engineering | 137 jobs Python | 130 jobs Machine Learning | 110 jobs Computer Science | 94 jobs Security | 77 jobs Architecture | 64 jobs Java | 59 jobs AWS | 58 jobs Testing | 58 jobs Privacy | 58 jobs Research | 55 jobs APIs | 50 jobs SQL | 49 jobs Azure | 49 jobs Big Data | 47 jobs Pipelines | 46 jobs Generative AI | 46 jobs Agile | 41 jobs LLMs | 41 jobs Scala | 35 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Lead Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Lead Engineer job listings are Career development, Competitive pay and Health care. 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 | 135 jobs Competitive pay | 65 jobs Health care | 57 jobs Team events | 47 jobs Flex hours | 40 jobs Startup environment | 28 jobs Insurance | 28 jobs Salary bonus | 27 jobs Flex vacation | 22 jobs Equity / stock options | 18 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Flat hierarchy | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert Lead Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package, particularly in startups or large tech firms, and may account for 10-30% of the total compensation.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry-wise, tech companies, finance, and healthcare often offer higher salaries compared to academia or non-profit sectors. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and stock options.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 177,500, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of AI/ML, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, which are in high demand.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or executive roles, such as Director of AI or Chief Data Scientist, which come with higher compensation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML through courses, workshops, and conferences.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain insights into industry trends.
• Consulting: Offer consulting services or start your own venture, leveraging your expertise to command higher fees.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a master's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or Mathematics. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve research and development of new algorithms or technologies. Candidates with a strong academic background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analytics are highly sought after.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your expertise:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) Certification

These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Lead Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science is expected to have at least 7-10 years of experience in the field. This includes hands-on experience with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also crucial. Demonstrated success in deploying AI/ML solutions in real-world applications is highly valued.

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