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Advanced Scientist Salary in California

How much does an Advanced Scientist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Advanced Scientist in California is $117,933 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

However, an Advanced Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,500
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $104,987 to $133,933
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,200
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Advanced Scientist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Advanced Scientist Salaries

An Advanced Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Advanced Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Advanced Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $97,537
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $117,654
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $114,599
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $133,949
  • Expert (over 8 years): $167,908
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Human Resources Generalist III less than 1 year $97,537
Human Resources Generalist IV 1-2 years $117,654
Advanced Scientist 2-4 years $114,599
Human Resources Manager 5-8 years $133,949
Associate Human Resources Director over 8 years $167,908

How Do Advanced Scientist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Advanced Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $118,382.
  • California: $117,933.
  • Massachusetts: $116,361.

Top Paying Cities for Advanced Scientist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $118,136
  • West Hollywood: $118,050
  • Dodgertown: $118,135

Advanced Scientist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Advanced Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Advanced Scientist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Advanced Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Advanced Scientist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $141,519 $68.0 20%

Advanced Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Advanced Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$104,987
Average $117,933/year
$133,933
$8,749
Average $9,828/month
$11,161
$2,019
Average $2,268/week
$2,576
$50
Average $57/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $133,933 $11,161 $2,576 $64
Average $117,933 $9,828 $2,268 $57
25th Percentile $104,987 $8,749 $2,019 $50

Find Your Next Advanced Scientist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Advanced Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Sonora Quest Laboratories | FALLON, NV

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    Sonora Quest Laboratories | FALLON, NV

    Sonora Quest Laboratories, a leader in diagnostic healthcare in Arizona, is seeking a dedicated Medical Lab Scientist I to join our dynamic team. This role... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Essentia Health | JAMESTOWN, ND

    Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist

    Essentia Health | JAMESTOWN, ND

    Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist to perform accurate, timely diagnostic testing that supports high-quality, patient-... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Avera Health | YANKTON, SD

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    Avera Health | YANKTON, SD

    Avera Health is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Technician/Scientist to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role, you will perform rout... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Avera Health | SIOUX FALLS, SD

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    Avera Health | SIOUX FALLS, SD

    Avera Health is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Scientist to join our Laboratory Services team. In this on-site role, you will perform and val... more

    9 Days Ago

  • The University of Vermont Health Network | WINOOSKI, VT

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    The University of Vermont Health Network | WINOOSKI, VT

    The University of Vermont Health Network seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist I to perform high-quality diagnostic testing in a collaborative, academic med... more

    9 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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