Salary for Senior-level / Expert Machine Learning Researcher during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Machine Learning Researcher salary lies between USD 110,000 and USD 160,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Machine Learning Researcher job listings are Machine Learning, Python and Deep 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:

Machine Learning | 314 jobs Python | 303 jobs Deep Learning | 300 jobs LLMs | 297 jobs Engineering | 294 jobs ML models | 292 jobs Statistics | 291 jobs AWS | 284 jobs Testing | 282 jobs Git | 282 jobs GCP | 280 jobs MLOps | 279 jobs Kubernetes | 275 jobs Data visualization | 275 jobs Docker | 275 jobs Looker | 274 jobs SQL | 274 jobs Business Intelligence | 274 jobs Research | 37 jobs Computer Science | 28 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Machine Learning Researcher job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Equity / stock options. 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 | 305 jobs Startup environment | 290 jobs Equity / stock options | 189 jobs Competitive pay | 184 jobs Salary bonus | 178 jobs Conferences | 22 jobs Health care | 16 jobs Flex hours | 8 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Team events | 8 jobs Relocation support | 7 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Medical leave | 3 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Senior-Level/Expert Machine Learning Researcher

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Machine Learning Researcher typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In the United States, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but the cost of living is also elevated. In contrast, European countries might offer a lower base salary but compensate with better work-life balance and benefits.
• Industry: Tech companies, especially those in AI and machine learning, often offer competitive salaries with significant bonuses and stock options. In contrast, academia or non-profit sectors might offer lower base salaries but with other benefits like research grants or sabbaticals.
• Company Size: Larger companies might offer more structured compensation packages with clear bonus structures and stock options, while startups might offer lower base salaries but higher equity stakes.

Next Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of machine learning that is in high demand, such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, or natural language processing.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership roles such as a team lead or director of AI/ML, which often come with higher compensation.
• Consulting: Offer your expertise as a consultant, which can be lucrative and provide additional income streams.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML and acquire new skills that can make you indispensable to your organization.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Machine Learning Researcher positions require at least a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or Mathematics. However, a Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive roles, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of complex algorithms and the ability to conduct independent research.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your commitment to the field:

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

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

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Machine Learning Researcher is expected to have:

• 5-10 years of experience in data science or machine learning roles.
• Proven track record of working on complex machine learning projects.
• Experience in leading projects or teams, showcasing leadership and project management skills.
• Publications in reputable journals or conferences can be a significant advantage, especially for research-focused roles.

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