Machine learning (ML) allows companies to take all types of data and find patterns within the data. The ML-based findings can lead to new products and features, from recommendation engines to chatbots and security systems based on facial recognition. Machine learning can also provide companies with insights into customer needs, production pain points and untapped opportunities. With all the possibilities, there are several key machine learning jobs that include developing ML models, turning them into products and examining them for business intelligence. Here, we look at some of the top jobs and their salaries in the machine learning field.
1. ML Engineer
An ML engineer develops software to create ML models and works with data scientists to curate data for those models, according to
Glassdoor. They require knowledge of frameworks, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, to build the models. They also work to expand data pipelines and build large data sets. The models they create can reveal trends that help companies achieve their many objectives. Although it varies depending on experience, their salary usually ranges from $131,000 to $210,000.
2. ML Data Scientist
A data scientist in ML uses statistical and analytical skills to collect appropriate data sets for ML models and then interpret the results, using ML to turn data into actionable insights for companies, according to
Glassdoor. They use frameworks, such as TensorFlow, to create algorithms that can extract useful information from the data they’ve selected and curated. The salary range is from $124,000 to $203,000.
3. ML Research Scientist
Research scientists work on the theories underlying ML, looking for ways to improve the capabilities of AI and designing new types of ML algorithms and techniques that will lead to new discoveries, according to
Glassdoor. They require expertise in statistics and computer science as well as knowledge of the domain in which they’re working. Knowledge of Python and SQL is essential. Salaries range from $136,000 to $225,000.
4. NLP Engineer
Natural language processing (NLP) engineers design algorithms that can understand the complexities of meaning in human language, according to
Glassdoor. They get involved in types of deep learning that include the transformer models that underlie large language models (LLMs) and their associated chatbots. Specialties within NLP include machine translation, automated speech recognition and computational linguistics. Frameworks they use include the Python-based Natural Language Toolkit. Salaries range from $91,000 to $142,000.
5. Human-Centered ML Designer
Human-centered ML designers create the systems that allow people to seamlessly interact with technology, taking into account a user’s habits and preferences, according to
WGU. Streaming and online shopping services, for instance, use human-centered ML design to create their individualized recommendations. The applications they build are often based on Python or C++. The average salary is about $117,000 and can range up to $179,000.
6. Computer Vision Engineer
A computer vision engineer applies ML to help computers make sense of visual data for applications, such as facial recognition systems and self-driving cars, according to
Glassdoor. They teach machines to recognize patterns in visual data, so the computer can identify objects. They work with programming languages, such as Java and Python, as well as deep learning tools such as TensorFlow and PyTorch. The salary ranges from $124,000 to $224,000.
7. ML Robotics Engineer
Robots are not simply mechanical devices. They require software to accomplish the tasks they’re designed for. An ML-focused robotics engineer creates ML algorithms that help a robot make sense of its environment and adapt its behavior based on the data it produces, according to
Glassdoor. They can, for instance, incorporate machine learning into robotic vision systems or interpret the data produced by an industrial robot or a health care robot to optimize the tasks it performs. The salary ranges from $115,000 to $195,000.
8. ML Software Engineer
ML software engineers take the products of ML models and build them into applications that allow users to take advantage of the ML technology, according to
Glassdoor. They can, for instance, create a program to help people interact with a chatbot on their smartphones in a user-friendly manner or add predictive text to a word processing program. They convert ML prototypes into production-ready applications. Tools they use for this work include TensorFlow and Pandas. The salary ranges from $176,000 to $271,000.
9. BI Developer
Business intelligence (BI) developers use ML to move from data to useful insights that companies can use to guide their strategic decision making, according to
Glassdoor. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to gather understanding from data and present their insights about business needs and opportunities to management. They have expertise in database management and data warehousing and the ability to present results to decision makers in an understandable format. The salary ranges from $102,000 to $151,000.
10. MLOps Engineer
MLOps engineers handle machine learning operations by implementing practices that automate and simplify ML workflows, according to
Glassdoor. They take the predictive models built by developers and streamline them into functional and user-friendly products. While data scientists might focus on developing new ML models to solve specific problems, MLOps engineers are responsible for making sure those models actually work in production environments. The salary ranges from $123,000 to $180,000.
