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Applications/Research Scientist Salary in California

How much does an Applications/Research Scientist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications/Research Scientist in California is $118,127 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,045
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,657 to $133,787
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $103,857
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Applications/Research Scientist Job Openings in California

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 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): $114,435
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $115,299
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $118,562
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $119,214
  • Expert (over 8 years): $119,649
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Applications/Research Scientist less than 1 year $114,435
Early Career Level Applications/Research Scientist 1-2 years $115,299
Mid-Level Level Applications/Research Scientist 2-4 years $118,562
Senior-Level Level Applications/Research Scientist 5-8 years $119,214
Expert Level Applications/Research Scientist over 8 years $119,649

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:

  • Los Angeles: $118,330
  • West Hollywood: $118,245
  • Dodgertown: $118,329

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 $141,752 $68.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $135,846 $65.0 15%
Chemicals $129,940 $62.0 10%
Healthcare $124,033 $60.0 5%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$110,657
Average $118,127/year
$133,787
$9,221
Average $9,844/month
$11,149
$2,128
Average $2,272/week
$2,573
$53
Average $57/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $133,787 $11,149 $2,573 $64
Average $118,127 $9,844 $2,272 $57
25th Percentile $110,657 $9,221 $2,128 $53

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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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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