Salary for Senior-level / Expert Python Developer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Python Developer salary lies between USD 93,400 and USD 149,200 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. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Python Developer roles

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

Python | 148 jobs Machine Learning | 105 jobs Engineering | 80 jobs SQL | 66 jobs Agile | 62 jobs Computer Science | 62 jobs AWS | 60 jobs APIs | 57 jobs Docker | 53 jobs Architecture | 52 jobs Azure | 50 jobs Testing | 49 jobs Pipelines | 47 jobs CI/CD | 47 jobs Security | 45 jobs Git | 44 jobs Pandas | 38 jobs DevOps | 37 jobs GCP | 36 jobs Big Data | 35 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Python Developer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Python Developer job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Flex hours. 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 | 102 jobs Startup environment | 56 jobs Flex hours | 53 jobs Health care | 40 jobs Salary bonus | 37 jobs Flex vacation | 35 jobs Competitive pay | 35 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Team events | 20 jobs Insurance | 11 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Relocation support | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Conferences | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Parental leave | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Python Developer in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle, or New York, companies often offer substantial bonuses and stock options to attract top talent. In contrast, smaller companies or those in less competitive regions might offer lower bonuses but could compensate with other benefits like flexible working conditions or additional vacation days.

Increasing Salary

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

• Specialize in Niche Areas: Developing expertise in niche areas of AI/ML, such as natural language processing, computer vision, or reinforcement learning, can make you more valuable.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into leadership roles such as a team lead or project manager can increase your earning potential.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML. Attending workshops, conferences, and enrolling in advanced courses can enhance your skills.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.
• Negotiation Skills: Improving your negotiation skills can help you secure better compensation packages during job offers or performance reviews.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. However, a master’s degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve complex problem-solving and research. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and statistical modeling, which are crucial for high-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some valuable certifications include:

• 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, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level position requires at least 5-10 years of experience in software development, with a significant portion of that time spent working with Python in AI/ML or data science projects. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior developers, and a proven track record of successful AI/ML implementations are often expected. Familiarity with data manipulation, statistical analysis, and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn is crucial.

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