As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist I in South Dakota is $96,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Life Sciences Research Scientist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences Research Scientist I | 0-2 years | $96,486 |
| Biotech Research Scientist II | 2-4 years | $115,505 |
| Biotech Research Scientist III | 4-7 years | $130,766 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Life Sciences Research Scientist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $107,650. While startup companies pay approximate $91,229.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $91,229 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $96,438 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $103,998 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $107,650 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $115,788 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $110,963 | $53.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $106,139 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $101,314 | $49.0 | 5% |
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 August 01, 2026Promotions 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacokineticist II | $81,800 | -15% |
| Bioinformatician II | $74,700 | -23% |
| Biochemist | $70,401 | -27% |
| Biophysics Scientist | $70,301 | -27% |
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.
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