What is the average Scientist salary for San Diego, CA?
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As of June 01, 2026, the average Scientist salary in San Diego, CA is $151,362. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Scientist job titles in San Diego, CA. Salaries can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, location, years of experience, and level of education. Salary.com’s team of Certified Compensation Professionals analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to compile a range of salaries for various Scientist job titles in San Diego, CA. Apply your personal criteria to one of the job titles below to get your personalized salary estimate.
Scientist Salaries in San Diego, CA
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Scientist II - Biotech | $110,363 | $53.06 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Scientist III - Biotech | $136,659 | $65.70 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Scientist I - Biotech | $88,019 | $42.32 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Food Scientist II | $88,907 | $42.74 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Food Scientist III | $111,371 | $53.54 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist IV | $172,249 | $82.81 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist I | $90,996 | $43.75 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist II | $114,548 | $55.07 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist III | $141,328 | $67.95 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist V | $204,246 | $98.20 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
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Develop and conduct basic and applied research projects. Utilize advanced technologies to study biological, molecular and chemical processes. Synthesize and analyze DNA, proteins and other molecules to develop new drugs, medical protocols, and products. Prepare technical papers and reports on findings. Requires a PhD in their field of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Scientist II - Biotech Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Biotech Research Scientist II, Life Sciences Research Scientist II, Scientist II - Biotech
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Develop and conduct basic and applied research projects. Utilize advanced technologies to study biological, molecular and chemical processes. Synthesize and analyze DNA, proteins and other molecules to develop new drugs, medical protocols, and products. Prepare technical papers and reports on findings. Requires a PhD in their field of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Scientist III - Biotech Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Biotech Research Scientist III, Life Sciences Research Scientist III, Scientist III - Biotech
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Develop and conduct basic and applied research projects. Utilize advanced technologies to study biological, molecular and chemical processes. Synthesize and analyze DNA, proteins and other molecules to develop new drugs, medical protocols, and products. Prepare technical papers and reports on findings. Requires a PhD in area of specialty. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Scientist I - Biotech Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Biotech Research Scientist I, Life Sciences Research Scientist I, Scientist I - Biotech
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Conducts scientific research activities to create, improve, and evaluate food products, ingredients, and processing methods. Studies the chemical, biological, and physical properties of food items or ingredients. Performs experiments involving food chemistry, microbiology, sensory science, and physical analysis to assess the composition, quality, nutritional value, and safety of food products. Develops formulations that meet taste, texture, nutritional, and regulatory requirements. Collaborates with manufacturing teams to transition laboratory concepts into scalable production processes. Documents research findings, maintains accurate testing records, and prepares technical reports for internal stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree in food science. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Food Scientist II Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Food and Beverage Technologist II, Food Product R&D Scientist II, Food Scientist IICategory : Science and Research
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Conducts scientific research activities to create, improve, and evaluate food products, ingredients, and processing methods. Studies the chemical, biological, and physical properties of food items or ingredients. Performs experiments involving food chemistry, microbiology, sensory science, and physical analysis to assess the composition, quality, nutritional value, and safety of food products. Develops formulations that meet taste, texture, nutritional, and regulatory requirements. Collaborates with manufacturing teams to transition laboratory concepts into scalable production processes. Documents research findings, maintains accurate testing records, and prepares technical reports for internal stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree in food science. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Food Scientist III Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Food and Beverage Technologist III, Food Product R&D Scientist III, Food Scientist IIICategory : Science and Research
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Collects, analyzes, and interprets large data sets to identify trends, patterns, and provide key business insights. Performs data mining, cleaning, and aggregation processes to prepare data, implement data models, conduct analysis, and develop databases. Develops insights and reports from multiple structured and unstructured data sources using programming, statistical, and analytical techniques and tools. Maintains continuous collaboration with teams to understand the underlying purpose, focus, and objective of each data analysis project to ensure alignment and support. Designs, develops, and implements the most valuable data-driven solutions for the organization. Typically requires a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. Data Scientist IV Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Big Data Analyst IV, Data Scientist IV
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Collects, analyzes, and interprets large data sets to identify trends, patterns, and provide key business insights. Performs data mining, cleaning, and aggregation processes to prepare data, implement data models, conduct analysis, and develop databases. Develops insights and reports from multiple structured and unstructured data sources using programming, statistical, and analytical techniques and tools. Maintains continuous collaboration with teams to understand the underlying purpose, focus, and objective of each data analysis project to ensure alignment and support. Designs, develops, and implements the most valuable data-driven solutions for the organization. May require a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Data Scientist I Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Big Data Analyst I, Data Scientist I
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Collects, analyzes, and interprets large data sets to identify trends, patterns, and provide key business insights. Performs data mining, cleaning, and aggregation processes to prepare data, implement data models, conduct analysis, and develop databases. Develops insights and reports from multiple structured and unstructured data sources using programming, statistical, and analytical techniques and tools. Maintains continuous collaboration with teams to understand the underlying purpose, focus, and objective of each data analysis project to ensure alignment and support. Designs, develops, and implements the most valuable data-driven solutions for the organization. May require a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Data Scientist II Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Big Data Analyst II, Data Scientist II
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Collects, analyzes, and interprets large data sets to identify trends, patterns, and provide key business insights. Performs data mining, cleaning, and aggregation processes to prepare data, implement data models, conduct analysis, and develop databases. Develops insights and reports from multiple structured and unstructured data sources using programming, statistical, and analytical techniques and tools. Maintains continuous collaboration with teams to understand the underlying purpose, focus, and objective of each data analysis project to ensure alignment and support. Designs, develops, and implements the most valuable data-driven solutions for the organization. May require a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Data Scientist III Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Big Data Analyst III, Data Scientist III
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Collects, analyzes, and interprets large data sets to identify trends, patterns, and provide key business insights. Performs data mining, cleaning, and aggregation processes to prepare data, implement data models, conduct analysis, and develop databases. Develops insights and reports from multiple structured and unstructured data sources using programming, statistical, and analytical techniques and tools. Maintains continuous collaboration with teams to understand the underlying purpose, focus, and objective of each data analysis project to ensure alignment and support. Designs, develops, and implements the most valuable data-driven solutions for the organization. Typically requires a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. Data Scientist V Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Big Data Analyst V, Data Scientist V