Senior Research Scientist Salary in the United States

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How much does a Senior Research Scientist make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Senior Research Scientist in the United States is $114,166. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $100,636 to $128,564, with most professionals earning between $88,318 and $141,673.

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Salary range for a Senior Research Scientist
$100,636 to $128,564
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Senior Research Scientist Salary in Major Cities

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

Senior Research Scientist Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Senior Research Scientist in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $142,582
Washington, DC $126,405
Miami, FL $109,691
Chicago, IL $117,979
Boston, MA $127,330
New York, NY $132,307
Dallas, TX $112,739
If you'd like know Senior Research Scientist Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Senior Research Scientist

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
100636
128564
114166

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
105091
140237
121201
What is the average salary for Senior Research Scientist in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Senior Research Scientist in the United States. The base salary for Senior Research Scientist ranges from $100,636 to $128,564 with the average base salary of $114,166. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $105,091 to $140,237 with the average total cash compensation of $121,201.

View Average Salary for Senior Research Scientist as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $114,166 $100,636 - $128,564
Bonus $7,035 $4,455 - $11,673
Total Pay $121,201 $105,091 - $140,237
* 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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Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Senior Research 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 ?
100636
128564

 

Comments about Senior Research Scientist

What's the difference between Scientist - Clinical Research and Senior Research Scientist?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Senior Research Scientist is $114,166, and the average salary of Scientist - Clinical Research is $95,199. The average salary of Scientist - Clinical Research is lower than Senior Research Scientist. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Senior Research Scientist, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Senior Research Scientist. a Senior Research Scientist Salary in Riverside, CA is $120,457 as of April 01, 2025; a Senior Research Scientist Salary in Bossier City, LA is $104,736 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Senior Research Scientist Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Senior Research 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 Senior Research Scientist?
Salary ranges for a Senior Research 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: Software Service Engineer, Research Associate III, Research Clerk

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

Jobs with a similar salary range to Senior Research Scientist : Research Intern, Research Aide, Consumer Researcher

Last Update: April 01, 2025