How much does a Scientist make in the United States?
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The average Scientist salary in the United States is $137,886 as of January 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Scientist positions (listed below) typically falls between $71,281 and $204,491. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Scientist's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Scientist II - Biotech | $135,221 | $65.01 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Scientist III - Biotech | $155,967 | $74.98 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Scientist I - Biotech | $113,834 | $54.73 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Food Scientist II | $81,084 | $38.98 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Food Scientist III | $101,564 | $48.83 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist IV | $156,523 | $75.25 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist I | $84,045 | $40.41 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist II | $104,390 | $50.19 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist III | $128,266 | $61.67 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Data Scientist V | $186,622 | $89.72 | United States | January 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. View Scientist II - Biotech SalaryAlternate 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. View Scientist III - Biotech SalaryAlternate 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. View Scientist I - Biotech SalaryAlternate 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. View Food Scientist II SalaryAlternate 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. View Food Scientist III SalaryAlternate 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. View Data Scientist IV SalaryAlternate 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. View Data Scientist I SalaryAlternate 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. View Data Scientist II SalaryAlternate 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. View Data Scientist III SalaryAlternate 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. View Data Scientist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Big Data Analyst V, Data Scientist V