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Food Product R&D Scientist IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Food Product R&D Scientist IV make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Product R&D Scientist IV in the United States is $128,780 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.

However, a Food Product R&D Scientist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,744
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $120,210 to $139,230
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $112,407
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Food Product R&D Scientist IV Salaries

A Food Product R&D Scientist IV's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Food Product R&D Scientist IV 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 Food Product R&D Scientist IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $142,580.
  • California: $142,040.
  • Massachusetts: $140,150.

Top Paying Cities for Food Product R&D Scientist IVs

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: $162,420
  • San Francisco: $160,650
  • Oakland: $157,260

Food Product R&D Scientist IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Food Product R&D Scientist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $143,470. While startup companies pay approximate $121,493.

Food Product R&D Scientist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $121,493
Growth Stage 51~500 $128,456
Established 501~5000 $138,537
Enterprise 5000+ $143,470

Food Product R&D Scientist IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Food Product R&D Scientist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Durable and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Food Product R&D Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Product R&D Scientist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Food Product R&D Scientist IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable$167,414$80.030%
Biotechnology$154,536$74.020%
Chemicals$141,658$68.010%

Food Product R&D Scientist IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Food Product R&D Scientist IV'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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$120,210
Average $128,780/year
$139,230
$10,018
Average $10,732/month
$11,603
$2,312
Average $2,477/week
$2,678
$58
Average $62/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,230 $11,603 $2,678 $67
Average $128,780 $10,732 $2,477 $62
25th Percentile $120,210 $10,018 $2,312 $58

Food Product R&D Scientist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Food Product R&D Scientist IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Food Product R&D Scientist IV, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Pharmacokineticist V $151,400 18%
Bioinformatician V $161,700 26%
Analytical Development Scientist V $154,300 20%
Epidemiology Researcher V $162,900 26%

Most common benefits for Food Product R&D Scientist IV

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

Common company salaries for Food Product R&D Scientist IV

Here are companies hiring for Food Product R&D Scientist IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Food Product R&D Scientist IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Food Product R&D Scientist IV?

The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Food Product R&D Scientist IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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