Scientist Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Scientist make?

The average salary for a Scientist is $98,665 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Scientist positions, showing an average salary of $98,665 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Scientist positions, showing an average salary of $98,665 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Scientist positions, showing an average salary of $98,665 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Scientist positions, showing an average salary of $98,665 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Scientists work in many fields and can earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for a scientist is about $98,665. Some scientists make less, and some make more. The amount they make depends on many things. This includes their experience, the type of science they work in, and where they work.

Scientists in different fields can have different salaries. For example, some scientists make less than $54,723 a year. Others make more than $187,227. Here is a look at how salaries spread out:

7.24% of scientists make less than $40,000 a year
11.97% make between $40,000 and $54,723
16.06% make between $54,723 and $69,445
14.83% make between $69,445 and $84,168
15.49% make between $84,168 and $98,891
12.72% make between $98,891 and $113,614
7.06% make between $113,614 and $128,336
4.90% make between $128,336 and $143,059
2.62% make between $143,059 and $157,782
1.33% make between $157,782 and $172,505
0.76% make more than $172,505

What are the highest paying cities for a Scientist?

Scientists in San Jose, California, enjoy the highest average salary among the cities listed, which is about $154,206. Following closely is San Francisco, California, where scientists earn an average of $147,852. Huntsville, Alabama, ranks third, with scientists making around $131,677 annually. Dayton, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon, also offer competitive salaries for scientists, around $123,285 and $122,574, respectively. Cities like Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Santa Maria, Seattle, and San Diego provide attractive opportunities, with average salaries ranging from $121,955 to $115,179.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Scientist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $154,206 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $115,179.

San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $154,206
In San Jose, you can find exciting opportunities in the tech world. Companies like Google and Intel offer great roles. It's a city where innovation meets opportunity.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $147,852
San Francisco is home to many big tech firms. Working here means access to cutting-edge projects. Companies like Salesforce and Uber provide dynamic environments.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $131,677
Huntsville is known as the Rocket City. It offers a mix of government and private sector jobs. Companies like NASA and Raytheon are prominent here.
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Dayton, OH
Average Salary: $123,285
Dayton has a strong aerospace industry. You can work with big names like General Electric. It's a place where science meets engineering.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $122,574
Portland offers a vibrant tech scene. Companies like Intel and Amazon provide diverse opportunities. It's a city that values creativity and innovation.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $121,955
Atlanta is a growing tech hub. Working here offers many chances to collaborate with different industries. Companies like Delta and Coca-Cola are leaders in their fields.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $121,756
Washington, DC is rich in research opportunities. Government agencies and private firms offer various roles. It's an excellent place for those interested in policy and science.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $117,188
Santa Maria is a smaller city with big opportunities in agriculture and energy. Companies like Chevron and Univar offer specialized roles.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $115,684
Seattle is a tech giant's backyard. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon provide cutting-edge roles. It's a city that values innovation and teamwork.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $115,179
San Diego offers a mix of biotech and defense roles. Companies like Qualcomm and Scripps provide diverse opportunities. It's a great place for those interested in health and tech.
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What are the best companies a Scientist can work for?

Apple offers some of the highest salaries for scientists, with an average salary of $223,179. L3Harris, another top employer, pays scientists an average of $211,050. Amazon.com also provides competitive pay, with scientists earning an average of $200,650 annually.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Scientist jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $223,179 and Sutter Health with the lowest at $146,999.

Apple
Average Salary: $223,179
Apple offers many exciting opportunities for scientists, including roles in research and development, product design, and environmental sustainability. Apple operates worldwide with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
L3Harris
Average Salary: $211,050
L3Harris provides scientists with roles in aerospace, defense, and technology. The company has a global presence with offices in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $200,650
Amazon offers diverse Scientist positions in fields like machine learning, robotics, and data science. The company operates in numerous countries, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Average Salary: $181,250
This lab offers scientist roles focused on national security, aerospace, and health. The lab is located in the U.S. and collaborates internationally.
Uber
Average Salary: $161,684
Uber provides opportunities in data science, machine learning, and urban planning. The company has a worldwide presence with offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Genentech
Average Salary: $161,469
Genentech offers positions in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, focusing on research and development. The company operates in the U.S. and has a global impact.
Gilead Sciences
Average Salary: $161,310
Gilead Sciences provides roles in biopharmaceutical research and development. The company operates in the U.S. and has a global reach.
Merck
Average Salary: $159,031
Merck offers positions in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, focusing on research and development. The company operates in the U.S. and has a global presence.
General Atomics
Average Salary: $148,995
General Atomics provides scientist roles in aerospace, defense, and technology. The company has offices in the U.S. and operates globally.
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $146,999
Sutter Health offers positions in healthcare and medical research. The company operates in California and has a significant impact on the West Coast.

How to earn more as a Scientist?

Scientists have many opportunities to increase their earnings. By focusing on a few key areas, one can see a significant difference in their income. Attention to education, experience, and skills will help pave the way to higher pay. Network effectively and seek out roles with greater responsibility.

Consider these factors to earn more as a scientist:

Advance your education: Higher degrees lead to higher salaries. A master's or a Ph.D. can open doors to better-paying jobs.
Gain experience: More years in the field mean more opportunities. Experience brings expertise, which often translates to higher pay.
Develop specialized skills: Skills like data analysis, programming, and laboratory techniques are in demand. Learning these can lead to higher-paying jobs.
Network with peers: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Attend conferences and join professional organizations.
Seek leadership roles: Taking on managerial or supervisory roles often means a higher salary. These roles come with greater responsibility and reward.

How much does a Scientist make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Scientist?

What are the best companies a Scientist can work for?

How to earn more as a Scientist?

Currently 630 Scientist job openings, nationwide.

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

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