Salary for Senior-level / Expert Software Developer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Software Developer salary lies between USD 94,200 and USD 187,900 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

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Software 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 | 352 jobs Machine Learning | 276 jobs Engineering | 275 jobs Computer Science | 233 jobs Architecture | 218 jobs Java | 196 jobs Security | 188 jobs Agile | 181 jobs Testing | 170 jobs AWS | 152 jobs APIs | 152 jobs Docker | 145 jobs Kubernetes | 142 jobs SQL | 123 jobs CI/CD | 113 jobs Research | 112 jobs Azure | 110 jobs Git | 104 jobs DevOps | 103 jobs JavaScript | 99 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Developer job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. 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 | 318 jobs Flex hours | 157 jobs Health care | 128 jobs Competitive pay | 113 jobs Equity / stock options | 99 jobs Startup environment | 96 jobs Insurance | 91 jobs Flex vacation | 76 jobs Salary bonus | 64 jobs Medical leave | 55 jobs Team events | 52 jobs Parental leave | 51 jobs 401(k) matching | 39 jobs Flexible spending account | 34 jobs Wellness | 26 jobs Relocation support | 21 jobs Transparency | 15 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 10 jobs Conferences | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Software Developer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can be performance-based or company-wide and may vary significantly depending on the company's profitability and individual performance. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can be a significant part of the compensation, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In contrast, companies in other regions or industries might offer less in terms of equity but compensate with higher base salaries or bonuses.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 138,425, consider specializing in high-demand areas within AI/ML, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision. Gaining expertise in these areas can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, pursuing leadership roles, such as a team lead or project manager, can also lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider negotiating your salary based on your contributions and the value you bring to the company.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve research or advanced technical work. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of complex algorithms and data structures, which are crucial for developing sophisticated AI/ML models.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Certifications such as the TensorFlow Developer Certificate, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, or the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate can be beneficial. These certifications validate your skills in specific tools and platforms commonly used in the industry and can give you an edge in the job market.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level position in AI/ML/Data Science requires at least 5-10 years of experience in software development, with a significant portion of that time spent working on AI/ML projects. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior developers, and contributing to the strategic direction of AI/ML initiatives is often expected. Practical experience with data analysis, model development, and deployment in production environments is crucial.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?