Principal Scientist Salary in the United States

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How much does a Principal Scientist make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Principal Scientist in the United States is $140,774. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $125,149 to $158,516, with most professionals earning between $110,922 and $174,669.

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Salary range for a Principal Scientist
$125,149 to $158,516
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Principal Scientist Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Principal Scientist between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Principal Scientist in each city.

Principal Scientist Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Principal Scientist in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $175,813
Washington, DC $155,865
Miami, FL $135,256
Chicago, IL $145,476
Boston, MA $157,005
New York, NY $163,143
Dallas, TX $139,014
If you'd like know Principal Scientist Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Principal Scientist

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
125149
158516
140774

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
132871
176950
152539
What is the average salary for Principal Scientist in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Principal Scientist in the United States. The base salary for Principal Scientist ranges from $125,149 to $158,516 with the average base salary of $140,774. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $132,871 to $176,950 with the average total cash compensation of $152,539.

View Average Salary for Principal Scientist as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $140,774 $125,149 - $158,516
Bonus $11,765 $7,722 - $18,434
Total Pay $152,539 $132,871 - $176,950
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

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Your target salary is ?
125149
158516

 

Comments about Principal Scientist

What's the difference between Principal Data Scientist and Principal Scientist?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Principal Scientist is $140,774, and the average salary of Principal Data Scientist is $176,686. The average salary of Principal Data Scientist is higher than Principal Scientist. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Principal Scientist, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Principal Scientist. a Principal Scientist Salary in Riverside, CA is $148,531 as of April 01, 2025; a Principal Scientist Salary in Bossier City, LA is $129,146 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Principal Scientist Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Principal Scientist vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Principal Scientist?
Salary ranges for a Principal Scientist can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

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Last Update: April 01, 2025