Scientist Salary in the United States

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How much does a Scientist make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Scientist in the United States is $134,377. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $124,292 to $155,805, with most professionals earning between $115,110 and $175,314.

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Scientist Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for 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 Scientist in each city.

Scientist Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Scientist in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $167,823
Washington, DC $148,782
Miami, FL $129,109
Chicago, IL $138,865
Boston, MA $149,870
New York, NY $155,729
Dallas, TX $132,697
If you'd like know Scientist Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Scientist

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
124292
155805
134377

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
127549
159971
139964
What is the average salary for Scientist in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Scientist in the United States. The base salary for Scientist ranges from $124,292 to $155,805 with the average base salary of $134,377. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $127,549 to $159,971 with the average total cash compensation of $139,964.

View Average Salary for Scientist as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $134,377 $124,292 - $155,805
Bonus $5,588 $3,257 - $4,166
Total Pay $139,964 $127,549 - $159,971
* 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.

Estimate Salary for Scientist online for free

Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Scientist, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
124292
155805

 

Comments about Scientist

What's the difference between Soil Scientist and Scientist?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Scientist is $134,377, and the average salary of Soil Scientist is $79,791. The average salary of Soil Scientist is lower than Scientist. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Scientist, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Scientist. a Scientist Salary in Riverside, CA is $141,781 as of April 01, 2025; a Scientist Salary in Bossier City, LA is $123,277 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Scientist Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a 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 Scientist?
Salary ranges for a 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 )

Recently searched related titles: Laboratory Scientist, Associate Scientist II, Biomanufacturing Specialist

Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role

Jobs with a similar salary range to Scientist : Med Lab Scientist, Immunoassay Scientist, Bioassay Scientist

Last Update: April 01, 2025