A machine learning analyst applies artificial intelligence (AI) to systems that automatically learn and improve from experience without being specifically programmed to do certain tasks. Machine learning centers the analyst developing programs that can access large amounts of data and use it to learn on their own. (Expertsystem.com)
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The learning process starts with data or observations, such as instruction or direct experience, in order to find patterns in data to make better decisions based on examples provided. The goal is to allow computers to learn on their own without human assistance.
Some machine learning methods that these analysts utilize include:
- Supervised machine learning algorithms: Apply what was learned in the past to new data with labeled examples to make predictions about future events. The learning algorithm makes an inferred function to produce predictions about output values. The system can provide targets for any new inputs after enough training.
- Unsupervised machine learning algorithms: Used when information used for training is not classified or labeled. Studies how systems can infer functions to describe hidden structures from data that is unlabeled. The system does not determine the right output, but it explores data and can make inferences from datasets.
- Semi-supervised machine learning algorithms: Systems with this method are able to enhance learning accuracy considerably. Semi-supervised learning will be chosen with the labeled data requires relevant and skilled resources for it to be trained.
- Reinforcement machine learning algorithms: Interacts with the environment and produces actions, while discovering errors and rewards.
There also are other aspects of artificial intelligence that machine learning analysts may study. For example, a neural network is a type of machine learning that is inspired by how the human brain works. It is a computer operating system consisting of interconnected units that process information by making responses to external inputs and relaying data between each unit.
Deep learning uses giant neural networks with multiple layers of processing units to take advantage of advantage of increases in computer power and training techniques to understand complex patterns in large sets of data. (SAS.com)
Machine Learning Analyst Salary Outlook
Becoming a machine learning analytics profession requires several years of education. It is a good idea to know what your salary potential is in this growing field.
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Below is more information.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not collect data on machine learning analysts specifically, but it has information on salaries for the related field of computer and information research scientists. The median salary in this field is $118,700 with a range between $69,200 and $183,000. (BLS.gov)
In May 2018, the top industries for computer and information research scientists were:
- Software publishers: $140,222
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences: $128,500
- Computer systems design and related services: $124,200
- Federal government: $109,400
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $82,600
Another field that is related to machine learning is computer hardware engineers. The median salary for computer hardware engineers was $114,600 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned less than $66,700, and the top 10% earned more than $172,000. Median wages for professionals in the top industries for computer hardware engineers were: (BLS.gov)
- Research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences: $128,300
- Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing: $126,600
- Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing: $119,500
- Federal government: $113,400
- Computer systems design and related services: $109,400
Payscale.com
Payscale.com reports the average salary for a machine learning engineer is $111,200 with a range between $75,000 and $153,000. Some of the salaries reported from companies are: (Payscale.com)
- Apple Computer: $129,000
- Amazon: $120,000
- Accenture: $106,000
- Intel: $96,000
- Microsoft: $143,000
- Nike: $102,000
- Pitchbook: $100,000
- JP Morgan Chase: $137,000
Popular skills and related salaries are:
- Machine learning: $113,500
- Python: $111,800
- Deep learning: $112,300
- Computer vision: $117,600
- Big data analytics: $111,700
Your pay as a machine learning analyst will rise with experience:
- Less than one year of experience: $94,300
- One to four years of experience: $110,400
- Five to nine years of experience: $135,100
- 10 to 19 years of experience: $149,900
- 20 years or more of experience: $179,000
Your salary also depends on where you live:
- San Francisco: +19%
- San Jose: +12%
- Palo Alto: +11%
- Seattle: +8%
- New York City: +7%
- Boston: -8%
- Chicago: -18%
Ziprecruiter.com
Ziprecruiter.com reports the average salary for machine learning analysts is $117,917 per year with a range between $22,500 and $193,000. Most in this field earn between $76,500 and $145,500. (Ziprecruiter.com)
Salary.com
Salary.com reports the average salary for machine learning analysts is $113,000 with a range between $98,800 and $130,200. (Salary.com)
Job Outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists
BLS states the job outlook for computer and information research scientists will grow by 16% by 2028, which is much faster than average for all occupations. The research and development work of these professionals, including machine learning, turns ideas into new technology. As the demand for more products and devices with AI grows, the need for these workers will rise.
Fast growth in the collection of data by businesses will drive more need for data mining and AI services. Computer scientists will be needed to write machine learning algorithms that help companies make sense of data. With this information, companies will understand customers and prospects better, which will make the work of computer and information research scientists even more important.
The growing risks of cyber-attacks should also lead to new jobs for computer and information research scientists.
Machine Learning Analyst Salary by State
| State | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York - Marketing Analytics Salary | $49.78 | $103,552 |
| Massachusetts - Marketing Analytics Salary | $49.38 | $102,705 |
| New Hampshire - Marketing Analytics Salary | $48.46 | $100,787 |
| Maryland - Marketing Analytics Salary | $46.01 | $95,692 |
| Hawaii - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.50 | $94,641 |
| Alaska - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.50 | $94,631 |
| Nevada - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.50 | $94,631 |
| Montana - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.50 | $94,631 |
| North Dakota - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.50 | $94,631 |
| Wyoming - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.50 | $94,631 |
| Idaho - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.50 | $94,631 |
| Vermont - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.42 | $94,475 |
| Nebraska - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.36 | $94,350 |
| Connecticut - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.30 | $94,232 |
| Washington - Marketing Analytics Salary | $45.24 | $94,091 |
| Rhode Island - Marketing Analytics Salary | $44.78 | $93,145 |
| California - Marketing Analytics Salary | $44.73 | $93,044 |
| Virginia - Marketing Analytics Salary | $44.51 | $92,588 |
| New Jersey - Marketing Analytics Salary | $43.61 | $90,704 |
| Arizona - Marketing Analytics Salary | $43.39 | $90,259 |
| West Virginia - Marketing Analytics Salary | $43.31 | $90,084 |
| Colorado - Marketing Analytics Salary | $43.20 | $89,862 |
| Pennsylvania - Marketing Analytics Salary | $43.05 | $89,552 |
| South Dakota - Marketing Analytics Salary | $43.00 | $89,430 |
| Minnesota - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.99 | $89,410 |
| South Carolina - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.92 | $89,266 |
| Oregon - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.88 | $89,188 |
| Tennessee - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.84 | $89,099 |
| Delaware - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.72 | $88,861 |
| Utah - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.60 | $88,607 |
| Kentucky - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.53 | $88,459 |
| Kansas - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.34 | $88,074 |
| Ohio - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.27 | $87,919 |
| Indiana - Marketing Analytics Salary | $42.06 | $87,483 |
| Oklahoma - Marketing Analytics Salary | $41.96 | $87,269 |
| Wisconsin - Marketing Analytics Salary | $41.80 | $86,950 |
| Iowa - Marketing Analytics Salary | $41.75 | $86,832 |
| Louisiana - Marketing Analytics Salary | $41.61 | $86,539 |
| Maine - Marketing Analytics Salary | $41.41 | $86,138 |
| Texas - Marketing Analytics Salary | $40.99 | $85,259 |
| Alabama - Marketing Analytics Salary | $40.67 | $84,593 |
| Georgia - Marketing Analytics Salary | $40.67 | $84,584 |
| Arkansas - Marketing Analytics Salary | $40.64 | $84,523 |
| New Mexico - Marketing Analytics Salary | $40.30 | $83,817 |
| Mississippi - Marketing Analytics Salary | $40.08 | $83,360 |
| Michigan - Marketing Analytics Salary | $39.91 | $83,016 |
| Illinois - Marketing Analytics Salary | $39.82 | $82,821 |
| Missouri - Marketing Analytics Salary | $39.04 | $81,196 |
| Florida - Marketing Analytics Salary | $38.29 | $79,634 |
| North Carolina - Marketing Analytics Salary | $34.85 | $72,498 |
Source: Ziprecruiter.com, January 2020.
Summary
The demand for machine learning analysts who have expertise in artificial intelligence principles and concepts is growing. These professionals have a high level of technical skill and are well-compensated for them. You can expect starting salaries in the 70ss and well over $100,000 per year within a few years.