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Applications/Research Scientist Salary in the United States

How much does an Applications/Research Scientist make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications/Research Scientist in the United States is $107,096 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $134,221
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,324 to $121,294
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $94,158
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Applications/Research Scientist Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Applications/Research Scientist Salaries

An Applications/Research 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Applications/Research Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Applications/Research 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): $103,749
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $104,532
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $107,490
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,082
  • Expert (over 8 years): $108,476
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Applications/Research Scientist less than 1 year $103,749
Early Career Level Applications/Research Scientist 1-2 years $104,532
Mid-Level Level Applications/Research Scientist 2-4 years $107,490
Senior-Level Level Applications/Research Scientist 5-8 years $108,082
Expert Level Applications/Research Scientist over 8 years $108,476

How Do Applications/Research 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 Applications/Research Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $118,577.
  • California: $118,127.
  • Massachusetts: $116,553.

Top Paying Cities for Applications/Research 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:

  • San Jose: $135,080
  • San Francisco: $133,601
  • Oakland: $130,786

Applications/Research Scientist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Applications/Research 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 Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Applications/Research Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Applications/Research Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Applications/Research Scientist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $128,515 $62.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $123,160 $59.0 15%
Chemicals $117,806 $57.0 10%
Healthcare $112,451 $54.0 5%

How Education impacts an Applications/Research Scientist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Applications/Research Scientist professionals enter the field with a Doctoral degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Applications/Research Scientist with a Doctoral is between $109,154 and $115,729.

Applications/Research Scientist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Applications/Research Scientist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 0.2%
High School 0.2%
Associate's Degree 0.6%
Bachelor's Degree 20.9%
Master's Degree or MBA 16%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 62.4%
View as Graph

Applications/Research Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Applications/Research 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$100,324
Average $107,096/year
$121,294
$8,360
Average $8,925/month
$10,108
$1,929
Average $2,060/week
$2,333
$48
Average $51/hour
$58
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $121,294 $10,108 $2,333 $58
Average $107,096 $8,925 $2,060 $51
25th Percentile $100,324 $8,360 $1,929 $48

Most common benefits for Applications/Research Scientist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Applications/Research Scientist

Here are companies hiring for Applications/Research Scientist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Applications/Research Scientist Job

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

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FAQ about Applications/Research Scientist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Applications/Research Scientist?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Applications/Research Scientist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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