Air Force Research Laboratory Salary

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Air Force Research Laboratory in the United States is $52. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $108,433. Salaries at Air Force Research Laboratory typically range from $46 to $59 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Air Force Research Laboratory

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Is Air Force Research Laboratory’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Air Force Research Laboratory's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute $62
+18.6%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for Kenya Agricultural Research Institute's specialized projects.
Takara Bio Inc $69
+31.6%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Takara Bio Inc's primary metro hubs.
Lockheed Corp $63
+20.4%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Lockheed Corp targets.
Gumbo Labs Inc $55
+5.0%
Supported by Gumbo Labs Inc's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Biotechnology Industry $63
+20.4%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Air Force Research Laboratory

Considering a career at Air Force Research Laboratory? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
This biotech company is a great place to innovate, learn, and grow professionally. The team of scientists is both brilliant and collaborative, providing innovative solutions to complex biological challenges. The pace can be fast, but it’s always exciting. Great mission-driven culture with cutting-edge science and supportive colleagues. Daily work feels like it contributes to something greater.
Communication across departments can be inconsistent. Training programs are widely available and tailored to help employees move forward in their careers. Leadership is accessible, and the focus on developing transformative therapies is exciting. Managers take time to mentor and guide their teams. Leadership genuinely cares about employee feedback and acts on it. A truly collaborative environment.
Encouraging mentorship and room for innovation. It makes me proud to be part of this team. Leadership is transparent, and teamwork is encouraged across departments. I feel valued as an employee here. Successes are always celebrated as a team, fostering strong bonds and a sense of shared accomplishment that permeates all departments, making our workplace truly unique and positive.

Air Force Research Laboratory Overview

Website
www.afresearchlab.com
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Biotechnology
Headquarter Address
525 Brooks Rd Rome New York NY 13441
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 3153302735
Social Media
About Air Force Research Laboratory
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,000 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, A

What Benefits Does Air Force Research Laboratory Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Air Force Research Laboratory offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Syracuse?

Understanding the cost of living near Syracuse is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Air Force Research Laboratory.
Syracuse's Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.7 (19.3% less expensive than US average; 35.5% less than NY average). Central NY city (Syracuse Univ.), affordable housing, snow. Centro bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Air Force Research Laboratory, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $900 - $1,400+ A significant portion of Air Force Research Laboratory salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $170 - $280 (Heating significant) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $60 (Centro monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $630+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $370 - $690+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,210 - $3,560+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Air Force Research Laboratory

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Air Force Research Laboratory?

The typical salary range for most roles at Air Force Research Laboratory is approximately from $46 to $59 per hour. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Air Force Research Laboratory pay compared to Kenya Agricultural Research Institute?

The average annual salary at Air Force Research Laboratory is $108,433, or an hourly wage of $52, in comparison to Kenya Agricultural Research Institute which pays $128,580 per year or $62 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Air Force Research Laboratory?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Air Force Research Laboratory due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Air Force Research Laboratory?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Air Force Research Laboratory, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Air Force Research Laboratory in Syracuse is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Air Force Research Laboratory in Syracuse is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Air Force Research Laboratory and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Syracuse" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Air Force Research Laboratory differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Air Force Research Laboratory can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.