Position
Salary

How much does a Scientist make?

The average salary for a Scientist is $97,692 per year in the US.

Scientists play a crucial role in many industries, from healthcare to technology. They explore new ideas and make discoveries that help us understand the world better. The average yearly salary for scientists is around $97,692. This means that, on average, scientists earn a good living. The salary can vary based on the type of science and the industry.

Different types of scientists earn different salaries. For example, a biomedical scientist might earn around $42,500 to $193,000 a year. Environmental scientists can earn between $56,182 and $179,318. Scientists in technology often earn the highest salaries, with some making over $193,000 a year. These numbers show that there are many opportunities for scientists to earn a good salary.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Scientist?

Scientists can find some of the best pay in California. San Francisco and San Jose offer top salaries, with averages over $140,000. Other cities like Atlanta, Washington, DC, and Boston also provide strong compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Scientist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $141,723 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $113,345.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $141,723
    In San Francisco, professionals thrive in a tech-driven environment. Companies like Google and Apple offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
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  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $141,392
    San Jose is a hub for tech innovation. With companies like Intel and Cisco, the city offers dynamic projects. The cost of living is high, but so are the rewards.
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  3. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $129,373
    Atlanta is a growing center for scientific research. Companies like Coca-Cola and Emory University provide diverse roles. The city's warm climate makes it a pleasant place to work.
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  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $120,156
    In Washington, DC, scientists work on impactful research. Government agencies and tech firms offer unique opportunities. The city's rich history adds to the professional experience.
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  5. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $119,368
    Huntsville is known for its aerospace industry. Companies like NASA and Redstone Arsenal offer cutting-edge projects. The community is welcoming and supportive.
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  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $116,625
    Boston is a historic city with a strong focus on education and research. Institutions like MIT and Harvard provide excellent opportunities. The city's vibrant culture enriches the work life.
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  7. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $115,935
    Santa Maria offers a quieter environment with a focus on agriculture and technology. Companies like Lockheed Martin provide stable roles. The cost of living is moderate.
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  8. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $115,150
    Memphis is a growing city with a mix of industries. Companies like FedEx and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital offer diverse opportunities. The city's rich music scene adds to the lifestyle.
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  9. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $114,786
    Pittsburgh is known for its research and development. Companies like UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University offer innovative projects. The city's affordable cost of living is a big plus.
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  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $113,345
    San Diego offers a perfect blend of beach life and tech innovation. Companies like Qualcomm and Scripps Research provide exciting opportunities. The city's mild climate makes it ideal for year-round work.
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What are the best companies a Scientist can work for?

Apple offers one of the highest salaries for scientists, averaging $210,507 annually. L3Harris and Amazon.com also provide competitive pay for scientists, with average salaries around $196,622 and $191,743, respectively. Other notable companies include Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Genentech, both offering salaries above $160,000 per year.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Scientist jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $210,507 and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the lowest at $145,336.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $210,507
    Apple offers exciting roles for scientists in various fields, including technology and environmental science. The company operates globally, with major offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.


  2. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $196,622
    L3Harris provides opportunities for scientists in aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity. The company has locations in the United States and internationally, supporting a wide range of projects.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $191,743
    Amazon offers diverse roles for scientists in areas like machine learning, robotics, and environmental science. The company operates worldwide, with headquarters in the United States and offices in Europe, Asia, and South America.


  4. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $187,212
    This lab offers roles for scientists in research and development, particularly in defense and space. The lab is located in the United States, with projects spanning across the globe.


  5. Genentech
    Average Salary: $164,895
    Genentech provides opportunities for scientists in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The company operates in the United States, with a strong presence in the life sciences sector.


  6. Goldbelt, Inc.
    Average Salary: $163,231
    Goldbelt, Inc. offers roles for scientists in defense, aerospace, and environmental science. The company operates in the United States, with a focus on government contracts.


  7. Merck
    Average Salary: $159,472
    Merck provides opportunities for scientists in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The company operates globally, with major offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.


  8. Uber
    Average Salary: $159,260
    Uber offers roles for scientists in technology and data science. The company operates worldwide, with headquarters in the United States and offices in Europe, Asia, and South America.


  9. Gilead Sciences
    Average Salary: $152,770
    Gilead Sciences provides opportunities for scientists in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The company operates in the United States, with a strong presence in the life sciences sector.


  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Average Salary: $145,336
    The CDC offers roles for scientists in public health and research. The organization operates in the United States, with a focus on improving health outcomes nationwide.

How to earn more as a Scientist?

Scientists have many ways to increase their earnings. They can focus on education, experience, and skills. They can also work in high-demand fields and locations. Each of these factors can lead to higher pay.

Scientists can earn more by getting advanced degrees. A master's or Ph.D. can lead to higher salaries. These degrees show a deep understanding of the field. They can open up more job opportunities. Experience also matters. Working in the field for many years can lead to higher pay. Skills like data analysis and programming can also increase earnings. These skills are in high demand in many industries.

Location and industry can also affect a scientist's salary. Some areas have higher costs of living. They also have more job opportunities. Scientists can earn more in these areas. Working in high-demand fields like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals can also lead to higher pay. These fields often have more money for research and development.

Here are five factors that can help scientists earn more:

  • Advanced degrees
  • Experience
  • Specialized skills
  • Location
  • Industry

Currently 738 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.
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Scientist
738 Job Openings