Position
Salary

How much does a Scientist make?

The average salary for a Scientist is $96,750 per year in the US.

Scientists play a crucial role in many industries, from healthcare to technology. They explore new ideas, conduct experiments, and develop new technologies. Their work often leads to important discoveries and advancements. The average yearly salary for scientists is around $96,750. This salary can vary based on the type of science and the industry.

The salary range for scientists can be quite broad. Some scientists earn as little as $44,420, while others earn over $190,000. The highest-paying positions often require more experience and advanced degrees. Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution:

  • 10% of scientists earn less than $57,655.
  • 25% of scientists earn less than $70,889.
  • 50% of scientists earn less than $97,358.
  • 75% of scientists earn less than $137,062.
  • 90% of scientists earn less than $163,531.

View Scientist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Scientist?

Scientists can find some of the best-paying jobs in major cities like San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA. These cities offer top salaries, with San Francisco leading at $137,808. Job seekers should also consider Atlanta, GA, and Washington, DC, where salaries are competitive. These locations provide excellent opportunities for scientists looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Scientist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $137,808 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $111,027.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $137,808
    In San Francisco, professionals in scientific roles often work in tech companies. The city's vibrant tech scene offers many opportunities. Companies like Google and Salesforce lead in innovation.
    Find Scientist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $136,214
    San Jose is a hub for tech and biotech. Scientists here enjoy a dynamic work environment. Companies such as Intel and Cisco provide cutting-edge research opportunities.
    Find Scientist jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $131,650
    Atlanta offers a mix of industries for scientists. The city's growing tech sector is a big draw. Companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines offer diverse research roles.
    Find Scientist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $119,698
    In Washington, DC, scientists often work in government or research institutions. The city's focus on policy and research creates a unique environment. Organizations like NIH and NASA offer impactful work.
    Find Scientist jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $116,310
    Memphis provides a mix of opportunities in healthcare and research. The city's focus on medical research is growing. Institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital offer meaningful work.
    Find Scientist jobs in Memphis, TN


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $115,561
    Boston is a center for education and research. Scientists here work in top universities and hospitals. Institutions like Harvard and MIT offer cutting-edge research.
    Find Scientist jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $115,282
    Santa Maria offers a quieter environment with a focus on agriculture and food science. The city's farms and food companies provide unique research opportunities. Local companies like Dole and Tyson Foods offer diverse roles.
    Find Scientist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $113,067
    San Diego is known for its biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Scientists here work in a vibrant research community. Companies like Illumina and Scripps Research offer innovative projects.
    Find Scientist jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $111,223
    Huntsville is a hub for aerospace and defense research. Scientists here work on cutting-edge projects. Companies like NASA and Redstone Arsenal offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Scientist jobs in Huntsville, AL


  10. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $111,027
    Seattle offers a mix of tech and environmental research. The city's tech companies and environmental organizations provide diverse roles. Companies like Amazon and Boeing offer impactful research opportunities.
    Find Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the best companies a Scientist can work for?

Apple, L3Harris, and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory offer some of the highest salaries for scientists. These companies value innovation and research, providing competitive compensation packages. Genentech, Merck, and SAP also offer attractive salaries, making them excellent choices for those seeking a rewarding career in science.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Scientist jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $204,556 and Goldbelt, Inc. with the lowest at $149,417.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $204,556
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for scientists to work on cutting-edge technology. They have locations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Scientists here focus on innovation in areas like AI, renewable energy, and health technology.


  2. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $193,411
    L3Harris provides scientists with roles in aerospace, defense, and communications. They operate globally, with major offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Scientists here work on projects that impact national security and global communications.


  3. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $191,333
    This lab offers scientists the chance to work on critical research and development projects. They are based in the United States, with a strong presence in Maryland. Scientists here contribute to advancements in national security, space exploration, and health.


  4. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $185,431
    Amazon provides a dynamic environment for scientists to innovate in technology and logistics. They have offices worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Scientists here are involved in projects that improve customer experience and operational efficiency.


  5. Genentech
    Average Salary: $161,243
    Genentech offers scientists the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research in biotechnology. They are based in the United States, with a strong presence in California. Scientists here focus on developing innovative treatments for serious diseases.


  6. Merck
    Average Salary: $160,630
    Merck provides scientists with roles in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. They operate globally, with major offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Scientists here work on developing new medicines and improving health outcomes.


  7. SAP
    Average Salary: $160,009
    SAP offers scientists the chance to work on enterprise software solutions. They have offices worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Scientists here focus on developing innovative software that helps businesses run smoothly.


  8. Uber
    Average Salary: $157,979
    Uber provides scientists with roles in technology and transportation. They operate globally, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Scientists here work on projects that improve transportation efficiency and safety.


  9. Gilead Sciences
    Average Salary: $150,882
    Gilead Sciences offers scientists the opportunity to work on innovative research in biotechnology. They are based in the United States, with a strong presence in California. Scientists here focus on developing new treatments for serious diseases.


  10. Goldbelt, Inc.
    Average Salary: $149,417
    Goldbelt, Inc. provides scientists with roles in defense and technology. They operate in the United States, with a strong presence in Virginia. Scientists here work on projects that support national security and technological innovation.

How to earn more as a Scientist?

Scientists have many ways to earn more in their careers. They can focus on education, experience, and skills. Each of these areas can lead to higher pay. Scientists who work hard and stay curious can find many opportunities to grow.

Here are some ways scientists can earn more:

  1. Get more education: Earning a higher degree can open new job opportunities. A master's or PhD can lead to higher-paying jobs. It can also lead to research positions.
  2. Gain more experience: Working in the field for several years can lead to higher pay. Experience makes a scientist more valuable. It shows they know how to handle different tasks.
  3. Develop new skills: Learning new skills can make a scientist more attractive to employers. Skills like data analysis, programming, and lab techniques can lead to higher pay.
  4. Network with others: Building connections with other scientists can lead to job opportunities. Networking can help find out about new jobs and projects. It can also lead to collaborations that bring in more money.
  5. Seek out leadership roles: Taking on leadership roles can lead to higher pay. Managing projects or teams can show a scientist's ability to lead. It can also open the door to higher-paying positions.

Currently 928 Scientist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Scientist in the US?

Learn what a Scientist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Scientist today.
Position
Overview
Scientist
928 Job Openings