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Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Life Sciences Research Scientist I make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist I in District of Columbia is $117,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

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): $146,102
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,680 to $132,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $106,327
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View as table View as graph 25% $111,680 10% $106,327 90% $146,102 75% $132,500 $117,560 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 $132,500 $11,042 $2,548 $64
Average $117,560 $9,797 $2,261 $57
25th Percentile $111,680 $9,307 $2,148 $54
Check out Life Sciences Research Scientist I Job Openings in District of Columbia
Head of Policy&amp Research Life Sciences

ADVI Health - Washington, DC

Research Engineer

GE Vernova - NISKAYUNA, NY

Research Engineer

GE Vernova - NISKAYUNA, NY

Adjunct Faculty

Lesley University - CAMBRIDGEPORT, MA

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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, 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): $117,550
  • Biotech Research Scientist II (2-4 years): $140,721
  • Biotech Research Scientist III (4-7 years): $159,314
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Life Sciences Research Scientist I0-2 years$117,550
Biotech Research Scientist II2-4 years$140,721
Biotech Research Scientist III4-7 years$159,314
$117,550 Life Scie...
$140,721 Biotech R...
$159,314 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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $116,920
  • Washington: $116,920
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $116,910

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Life Sciences Research Scientist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $131,158. While startup companies pay approximate $111,150.

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$111,150
Growth Stage51~500$117,497
Established501~5000$126,707
Enterprise5000+$131,158

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Life Sciences Research Scientist I 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, Life Sciences Research Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Life Sciences Research Scientist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Life Sciences Research Scientist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$141,072$68.020%
Energy & Utilities$135,194$65.015%
Chemicals$129,316$62.010%
Healthcare$123,438$59.05%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$111,680
Average $117,560/year
$132,500
$9,307
Average $9,797/month
$11,042
$2,148
Average $2,261/week
$2,548
$54
Average $57/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $132,500 $11,042 $2,548 $64
Average $117,560 $9,797 $2,261 $57
25th Percentile $111,680 $9,307 $2,148 $54

Life Sciences Research Scientist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Life Sciences Research Scientist I
Pharmacokineticist II
Bioinformatician II
Biochemist
Biophysics Scientist
VP of PK Specialty
Bioinformatician III
Senior Biochemist

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 $99,600 -15%
Bioinformatician II $91,000 -23%
Biochemist $85,801 -27%
Biophysics Scientist $85,701 -27%

Salaries of jobs related to Life Sciences Research Scientist I

Find Your Next Life Sciences Research Scientist I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Life Sciences Research Scientist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

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