Technical Lead Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Technical Lead salary lies between USD 135,500 and USD 259,000 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Technical Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Technical Lead job listings are Python, Engineering 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:

Python | 235 jobs Engineering | 216 jobs Machine Learning | 200 jobs Computer Science | 173 jobs Architecture | 166 jobs SQL | 141 jobs AWS | 118 jobs Security | 115 jobs Pipelines | 110 jobs Azure | 104 jobs Testing | 92 jobs Research | 88 jobs Agile | 82 jobs ETL | 78 jobs Java | 78 jobs APIs | 70 jobs Generative AI | 65 jobs Data pipelines | 63 jobs DevOps | 61 jobs Spark | 60 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Technical Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Technical Lead job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. 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 | 218 jobs Health care | 107 jobs Equity / stock options | 85 jobs Salary bonus | 72 jobs Startup environment | 63 jobs Flex hours | 59 jobs Competitive pay | 56 jobs Team events | 55 jobs Insurance | 45 jobs Parental leave | 31 jobs Flex vacation | 31 jobs Conferences | 23 jobs Medical leave | 22 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs Transparency | 9 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Technical Lead 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 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies and startups, where it can form a significant part of the total compensation, sometimes up to 20-30%. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher equity components, while regions with a lower cost of living might offer higher base salaries. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and healthcare sectors might offer higher base salaries compared to startups, which might compensate with more equity.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary from a Technical Lead position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML, such as natural language processing or computer vision, which can command higher salaries.
• Leadership Skills: Enhance your leadership and management skills to transition into roles like Engineering Manager or Director of AI/ML.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network to learn about higher-paying opportunities and gain insights into industry trends.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML to remain competitive and valuable to employers.
• Negotiation Skills: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher compensation during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

Educational Requirements

Most Technical Lead positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Electrical Engineering. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles involving complex problem-solving and research. Advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and statistical methods, which are crucial for leading technical teams.

Helpful Certifications

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

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) Certification

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Technical Lead in AI/ML/Data Science is expected to have 5-10 years of experience in the field. This includes hands-on experience with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects and teams is crucial, as the role involves not only technical expertise but also the ability to manage and mentor team members. Experience in a specific industry can also be beneficial, as it provides domain knowledge that can be critical for certain projects.

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