Salary for Senior-level / Expert Member of Technical Staff in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Member of Technical Staff salary lies between USD 117,200 and USD 260,000 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Member of Technical Staff roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Member of Technical Staff job listings are Machine Learning, Engineering 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 | 160 jobs Engineering | 151 jobs Python | 134 jobs Computer Science | 115 jobs Architecture | 98 jobs Java | 95 jobs Research | 74 jobs Security | 74 jobs Distributed Systems | 71 jobs Oracle | 70 jobs LLMs | 69 jobs AWS | 66 jobs Testing | 59 jobs Kubernetes | 49 jobs Pipelines | 46 jobs Agile | 40 jobs APIs | 38 jobs Azure | 37 jobs CI/CD | 33 jobs Big Data | 32 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Member of Technical Staff roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Member of Technical Staff job listings are Career development, Health care and Medical leave. 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 | 155 jobs Health care | 87 jobs Medical leave | 82 jobs Flex hours | 78 jobs Insurance | 73 jobs Startup environment | 61 jobs Equity / stock options | 59 jobs Parental leave | 54 jobs Flex vacation | 50 jobs Salary bonus | 50 jobs Competitive pay | 47 jobs 401(k) matching | 37 jobs Flexible spending account | 36 jobs Team events | 34 jobs Conferences | 11 jobs Lunch / meals | 9 jobs Relocation support | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 7 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary for a Senior-level or Expert Member of Technical Staff 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 approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on individual and company performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech giants and startups in Silicon Valley might offer substantial equity packages, while companies in other regions or industries might provide smaller or no equity options.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML that is in high demand, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as a Director of AI or Chief Data Scientist, which typically offer 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.
• Negotiation Skills: Enhance your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher compensation during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

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 Certificates

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

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

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 position in AI/ML/Data Science requires at least 5-10 years of relevant experience. This includes hands-on experience with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to strategic decision-making is also highly valued. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully deploying AI/ML solutions in real-world applications.

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