I make over $250k as a Meta AI researcher. Publishing research helped me land the job.

Ruiyu Li, a research scientist at Meta, makes over $250,000 annually and specializes in AI and machine learning. Her journey began with a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in machine learning from Carnegie Mellon University.

Li's career took off after participating in numerous AI labs during her time at college and graduate school. These experiences allowed her to publish research and develop a niche in AI video generation and large-scale AI systems. She explained that working in eight AI labs gave her the necessary foundation to excel in the industry.

Li's practical knowledge from internship experiences at Microsoft and a startup further fueled her success. At Microsoft, she worked on generative search and Bing Copilot, while at the startup, she contributed to video-editing automation using AI innovations. These roles helped her build transferable skills and experience that directly contributed to her full-time role at Meta.

Li advises aspiring AI researchers to gain hands-on AI experience, whether through internships or publishing research. She emphasizes that employers value practical experience and deliverables, which can set a candidate apart from others in the competitive job market. By focusing on a niche and demonstrating a strong understanding of foundational knowledge, Li believes that individuals can adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape and secure promising positions in Big Tech.