The salary of a Life Sciences Research Scientist I in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist I in the United States is $105,270. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $92,800 to $118,770, with most professionals earning between $81,447 and $131,061.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $118,770 | $9,898 | $2,284 | $57 |
| Average | $105,270 | $8,773 | $2,024 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,800 | $7,733 | $1,785 | $45 |
An entry-level Life Sciences Research Scientist I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $104,339. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $105,673. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $108,695. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $109,300, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $109,703.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Life Sciences Research Scientist I | $104,339 |
| Intermediate Level Life Sciences Research Scientist I | $105,673 |
| Senior Level Life Sciences Research Scientist I | $108,695 |
| Specialist Level Life Sciences Research Scientist I | $109,300 |
| Expert Level Life Sciences Research Scientist I | $109,703 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 4% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Life Sciences Research Scientist I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $79,469 in 2023 to approximately $76,768 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Life Sciences Research Scientist I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Life Sciences Research Scientist I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Life Sciences Research Scientist I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Life Sciences Research Scientist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $105,270 | 71.7% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $8,053 | 5.5% | ||
| 401K/403B | $4,211 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $2,105 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,374 | 4.3% | ||
| Pension | $5,790 | 3.9% | ||
| Time Off | $14,981 | 10.2% | ||
| Total Compensation | $146,784 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 0.2% |
| Associates | 0.6% |
| Bachelors | 20.9% |
| Masters | 16.0% |
| Doctorate | 62.4% |
What Am I Worth?
A PhD is often preferred for research scientist positions, especially in life sciences, as it provides advanced knowledge and research skills. However, some roles may accept candidates with a master's degree or relevant experience. Salaries for life sciences research scientists typically range from $101,170 to $123,990, depending on experience and qualifications.
The estimated total pay range for a Life Sciences Research Scientist is $101,170 to $123,990 per year, with a mid-salary of $111,350. This includes base salary and additional compensation, reflecting the competitive nature of the field.
The highest paid research scientist roles typically include positions like Research Director and Chief Medical Physicist, with salaries ranging from $135,500 to $210,000 per year. In comparison, a Life Sciences Research Scientist earns between $101,170 and $123,990 annually, with a mid-salary of $111,350.
Research scientists in the life sciences field can expect competitive salaries. The minimum salary is around $101,170, with a mid-range salary of approximately $111,350, and a maximum salary reaching up to $123,990. This reflects a strong earning potential in the industry, making it a lucrative career choice.
The highest salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist is $123,990. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $101,170 to a mid-level of $111,350, reflecting the diverse opportunities and expertise within the field.
Research Scientists in the U.S. typically earn between $101,170 and $123,990 annually, with a median salary of $111,350. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field of life sciences research.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
