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Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Life Sciences Research Scientist I make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist I in the United States is $106,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

However, a Life Sciences Research Scientist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $131,881
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,860 to $119,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,098
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View as table View as graph 25% $100,860 10% $96,098 90% $131,881 75% $119,590 $106,090 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $119,590 $9,966 $2,300 $57
Average $106,090 $8,841 $2,040 $51
25th Percentile $100,860 $8,405 $1,940 $48
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Key Factors That Influence Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salaries

A Life Sciences Research Scientist I'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 Life Sciences Research Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Life Sciences Research Scientist I'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:

  • Life Sciences Research Scientist I (0-2 years): $106,081
  • Biotech Research Scientist II (2-4 years): $126,993
  • Biotech Research Scientist III (4-7 years): $143,794
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Life Sciences Research Scientist I0-2 years$106,081
Biotech Research Scientist II2-4 years$126,993
Biotech Research Scientist III4-7 years$143,794
$106,081 Life Scie...
$126,993 Biotech R...
$143,794 Biotech R...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Life Sciences Research Scientist Is

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: $133,800
  • San Francisco: $132,340
  • Oakland: $129,550

What Skills Can Increase a Life Sciences Research Scientist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 13.75% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Data Analysis (Mentioned in 3.11% Job Postings): Data analysis is a process of inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making. Data analysis has multiple facets and approaches, encompassing diverse techniques under a variety of names, and is used in different business, science, and social science domains. In today's business world, data analysis plays a role in making decisions more scientific and helping businesses operate more effectively. Data mining is a particular data analysis technique that focuses on modeling and knowledge discovery for predictive rather than purely descriptive purposes, while business intelligence covers data analysis that relies heavily on aggregation, focusing mainly on business information. In statistical applications, data analysis can be divided into descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis (EDA), and confirmatory data analysis (CDA). EDA focuses on discovering new features in the data while CDA focuses on confirming or falsifying existing hypotheses. Predictive analytics focuses on application of statistical models for predictive forecasting or classification, while text analytics applies statistical, linguistic, and structural techniques to extract and classify information from textual sources, a species of unstructured data. All of the above are varieties of data analysis.
  • Oncology (Mentioned in 2.2% Job Postings): Designing, constructing, and repairing dental prosthetics and restorative and orthodontic devices to help patients correct dental conditions.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 13.75%
Data Analysis 3.11%
Oncology 2.2%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Life Sciences Research Scientist I's salary.
  • Cell Biology: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Biotechnology: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Cell Biology
$113,516
7%
Biotechnology
$113,516
7%
Machine Learning
$112,455
6%
Bioinformatics
$112,455
6%
Cell Culture
$112,455
6%
Molecular Biology
$111,395
5%
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How Education impacts a Life Sciences Research Scientist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Life Sciences Research Scientist Is enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist I with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $108,716 and $115,261).

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Life Sciences Research Scientist I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 0.2%
Associates 0.6%
Bachelors 20.9%
Masters 16.0%
Doctorate 62.4%
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Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Life Sciences Research Scientist I'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 May 01, 2026

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Life Sciences Research Scientist I, 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.

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Pharmacokineticist II $90,000 -15%
Bioinformatician II $82,300 -22%
Biochemist $77,101 -27%
Biophysics Scientist $76,901 -28%

Salary Trends for Life Sciences Research Scientist I

Salaries for a Life Sciences Research Scientist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,469 in 2023 to around $74,707 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Life Sciences Research Scientist I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Life Sciences Research Scientist I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$79,469
2024
$76,768
2025
$74,707
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $79,469
2024 $76,768
2025 $74,707
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Life Sciences Research Scientist I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Life Sciences Research Scientist I

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FAQ about Life Sciences Research Scientist I

1. Do you need a PhD to be a research scientist?

A PhD is often preferred for research scientist positions, especially in life sciences, as it provides advanced knowledge and research skills. However, some roles may accept candidates with a master's degree or relevant experience. Salaries for life sciences research scientists typically range from $101,170 to $123,990, depending on experience and qualifications.

2. How much does PhD pay Stanford?

The estimated total pay range for a Life Sciences Research Scientist is $101,170 to $123,990 per year, with a mid-salary of $111,350. This includes base salary and additional compensation, reflecting the competitive nature of the field.

3. What is the highest paid research scientist?

The highest paid research scientist roles typically include positions like Research Director and Chief Medical Physicist, with salaries ranging from $135,500 to $210,000 per year. In comparison, a Life Sciences Research Scientist earns between $101,170 and $123,990 annually, with a mid-salary of $111,350.

4. Do research scientists make good money?

Research scientists in the life sciences field can expect competitive salaries. The minimum salary is around $101,170, with a mid-range salary of approximately $111,350, and a maximum salary reaching up to $123,990. This reflects a strong earning potential in the industry, making it a lucrative career choice.

5. What is the highest salary in life science?

The highest salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist is $123,990. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $101,170 to a mid-level of $111,350, reflecting the diverse opportunities and expertise within the field.

6. How much do research scientists make in us?

Research Scientists in the U.S. typically earn between $101,170 and $123,990 annually, with a median salary of $111,350. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field of life sciences research.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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