Salary for Senior-level / Expert Software Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Software Engineer salary lies between USD 150,000 and USD 243,000 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: Jan. 12, 2025

Salary trend

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

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

Engineering | 5622 jobs Python | 5457 jobs Machine Learning | 4719 jobs Computer Science | 4091 jobs Architecture | 3281 jobs AWS | 2706 jobs Java | 2663 jobs Testing | 2508 jobs Security | 2432 jobs Pipelines | 2090 jobs Kubernetes | 1997 jobs APIs | 1953 jobs SQL | 1713 jobs Azure | 1704 jobs Research | 1643 jobs Agile | 1624 jobs GCP | 1544 jobs Privacy | 1457 jobs Docker | 1435 jobs Distributed Systems | 1434 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options 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 | 5417 jobs Equity / stock options | 3221 jobs Health care | 3080 jobs Startup environment | 1922 jobs Competitive pay | 1902 jobs Salary bonus | 1833 jobs Flex hours | 1735 jobs Medical leave | 1650 jobs Flex vacation | 1584 jobs Insurance | 1413 jobs Parental leave | 1365 jobs Team events | 1163 jobs 401(k) matching | 999 jobs Wellness | 738 jobs Relocation support | 457 jobs Fertility benefits | 404 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 357 jobs Home office stipend | 335 jobs Transparency | 332 jobs Flexible spending account | 309 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Software Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises several components:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually forms the largest portion of the total compensation. It can vary significantly based on the region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries compared to other regions.

• Bonus: Bonuses can be performance-based or company-wide and are often tied to individual, team, or company performance metrics. In some industries, such as finance or tech, bonuses can be a substantial part of the compensation package.

• Equity/Stock Options: Particularly in tech companies and startups, equity or stock options are common. They provide a stake in the company and can be a significant part of the total compensation, especially if the company performs well.

• Benefits and Perks: These can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks like gym memberships or wellness programs. The value of these benefits can vary widely depending on the company size and industry.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 190,800, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within AI/ML, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into leadership or managerial roles can significantly increase your earning potential. This might involve leading a team of engineers or managing large-scale projects.

• Continuous Learning and Upskilling: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML. Pursuing advanced certifications or courses can enhance your skill set and make you more valuable to employers.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Engage with industry professionals through conferences, workshops, and online forums. Networking can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles and collaborations.

Educational Requirements

For a senior-level position in AI/ML/Data Science, the following educational background is typically expected:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field is usually the minimum requirement.

• Master’s or Ph.D.: Many senior roles prefer candidates with advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related disciplines, as they demonstrate a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

Helpful Certifications

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

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP): This certification demonstrates expertise in machine learning techniques and applications.

• TensorFlow Developer Certificate: Validates your ability to build and train machine learning models using TensorFlow.

• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Shows proficiency in designing and implementing machine learning solutions on the AWS platform.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level position requires:

• 5-10 Years of Experience: In software engineering, with a significant portion of that time focused on AI/ML or data science projects.

• Project Leadership: Experience leading projects or teams, demonstrating the ability to manage complex tasks and deliver results.

• Domain Expertise: Experience in a specific industry (e.g., healthcare, finance, tech) can be advantageous, as it provides context for applying AI/ML solutions effectively.

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