Salary for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Research Scientist salary lies between USD 149,850 and USD 249,500 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: Nov. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Research Scientist job listings are Research, Machine Learning and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 165 jobs Machine Learning | 148 jobs Python | 118 jobs Computer Science | 107 jobs PhD | 95 jobs Engineering | 93 jobs Deep Learning | 78 jobs PyTorch | 71 jobs TensorFlow | 69 jobs Statistics | 55 jobs Mathematics | 53 jobs NLP | 43 jobs R | 41 jobs Classification | 41 jobs Computer Vision | 37 jobs Robotics | 32 jobs ML models | 30 jobs ICML | 30 jobs Scala | 29 jobs Scikit-learn | 28 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Research Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Research Scientist job listings are Career development, Conferences and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 123 jobs Conferences | 80 jobs Health care | 67 jobs Flex hours | 66 jobs Flex vacation | 52 jobs Parental leave | 47 jobs Medical leave | 46 jobs Competitive pay | 43 jobs Startup environment | 41 jobs Team events | 36 jobs Flexible spending account | 34 jobs Equity / stock options | 31 jobs Insurance | 29 jobs Salary bonus | 24 jobs Yoga | 21 jobs Wellness | 17 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 17 jobs Home office stipend | 15 jobs Fertility benefits | 14 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert Research Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual contributions, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package, particularly in startups or large tech firms, and may range from 10% to 30% of the total compensation. The exact composition can vary based on the region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher equity components, and the industry, with finance and healthcare often providing higher bonuses. Company size also plays a role, with larger companies typically offering more structured bonus and equity plans.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level 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 often come with higher compensation.
• Consulting: Offer consulting services or start a side business leveraging your expertise, which can provide additional income streams.
• Networking: Engage in professional networking to explore opportunities in higher-paying industries or companies.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML and acquire new skills that can make you more valuable to employers.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Research Scientist positions in AI/ML/Data Science require an advanced degree, typically a Ph.D. in a related field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Electrical Engineering. A strong academic background with a focus on machine learning, data analysis, and algorithm development is essential. Some positions may accept a Master's degree combined with extensive experience and a proven track record of research and innovation in the field.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Some valuable certifications include:

• 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 Research Scientist role requires at least 5 to 10 years of experience in AI/ML or data science. This experience should include a strong track record of research, publications in reputable journals or conferences, and practical experience in developing and deploying machine learning models. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior researchers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also highly valued.

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