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

Salary details

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

In the United States, the salary for a Senior-level or Expert Machine Learning Researcher typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the most significant portion, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. This base salary can vary significantly depending on the region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, and Seattle offering higher base salaries compared to other areas.

Bonuses are another critical component, usually performance-based, and can range from 10-20% of the total compensation. These bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team success, or company profitability. Additionally, stock options or equity grants are common, especially in tech companies and startups, providing long-term incentives that can significantly increase total remuneration. Larger companies might offer more substantial equity packages, while smaller companies might compensate with higher base salaries or bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 160,000, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within AI/ML, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or reinforcement learning, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transitioning into leadership or managerial roles can significantly boost your earning potential. This might involve leading a team of researchers or managing cross-functional projects.
• Continuous Learning and Networking: Engage in continuous learning through advanced courses, workshops, and conferences. Networking with industry leaders and peers can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate your salary and benefits package effectively. Research industry standards and be prepared to justify your value to the 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 Electrical Engineering. However, a Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles focused on research and development. A strong academic background provides a solid foundation in theoretical concepts and research methodologies essential for this role.

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

These certifications can validate your skills 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 the field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and algorithm development. Experience in leading projects or teams, publishing research papers, and contributing to open-source projects can also be advantageous.

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