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Consultant Scientist Salary in California

How much does a Consultant Scientist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Consultant Scientist in California is $163,915 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $190,807
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $152,323 to $177,991
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $141,770
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Consultant Scientist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Consultant Scientist Salaries

A Consultant 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 Consultant Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Consultant 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): $237,907
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $126,816
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $160,982
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $197,020
  • Expert (over 8 years): $227,059
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Research and Development Associate VI less than 1 year $237,907
Research and Development Supervisor 1-2 years $126,816
Consultant Scientist 2-4 years $160,982
Research and Development Senior Manager 5-8 years $197,020
Research and Development Director over 8 years $227,059

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

  • District of Columbia: $164,539.
  • California: $163,915.
  • Massachusetts: $161,730.

Top Paying Cities for Consultant 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: $164,197
  • West Hollywood: $164,078
  • Dodgertown: $164,195

Consultant Scientist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Consultant Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Consultant Scientist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Consultant Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Consultant Scientist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $204,893 $99.0 25%
Financial Services $188,502 $91.0 15%
Insurance $188,502 $91.0 15%
Pharmaceuticals $188,502 $91.0 15%
Energy & Utilities $180,306 $87.0 10%

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

Understanding how a Consultant 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
$152,323
Average $163,915/year
$177,991
$12,694
Average $13,660/month
$14,833
$2,929
Average $3,152/week
$3,423
$73
Average $79/hour
$86
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $177,991 $14,833 $3,423 $86
Average $163,915 $13,660 $3,152 $79
25th Percentile $152,323 $12,694 $2,929 $73

Find Your Next Consultant Scientist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Consultant 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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