Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist III in the United States is $143,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $176,272
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $133,070 to $160,840
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $123,219
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View as table View as graph 25% $133,070 10% $123,219 90% $176,272 75% $160,840 $143,890 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $160,840 $13,403 $3,093 $77
Average $143,890 $11,991 $2,767 $69
25th Percentile $133,070 $11,089 $2,559 $64
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Key Factors That Influence Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salaries

A Life Sciences Research Scientist III'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 III'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:

  • Biotech Research Scientist I (0-2 years): $106,169
  • Biotech Research Scientist II (2-4 years): $127,096
  • Life Sciences Research Scientist III (4-7 years): $143,889
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Biotech Research Scientist I0-2 years$106,169
Biotech Research Scientist II2-4 years$127,096
Life Sciences Research Scientist III4-7 years$143,889
$106,169 Biotech R...
$127,096 Biotech R...
$143,889 Life Scie...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Life Sciences Research Scientist IIIs

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: $181,490
  • San Francisco: $179,510
  • Oakland: $175,720

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 11.04% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Immunology (Mentioned in 3.3% Job Postings): Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences. The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defence.
  • Drug Discovery (Mentioned in 1.94% Job Postings): The process of identifying chemical entities that have the potential to become therapeutic agents. Recognition of new molecular entities that may be of value in the treatment of diseases that qualify as presenting unmet medical needs.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 11.04%
Immunology 3.3%
Drug Discovery 1.94%
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 III's salary.
  • Oncology: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Immunology: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Drug Discovery: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Oncology
$152,523
6%
Immunology
$151,085
5%
Drug Discovery
$151,085
5%
Cell Biology
$149,646
4%
Biotechnology
$148,207
3%
Molecular Biology
$148,207
3%
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Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Life Sciences Research Scientist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $160,464. While startup companies pay approximate $135,919.

Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$135,919
Growth Stage51~500$143,703
Established501~5000$154,995
Enterprise5000+$160,464

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

For Life Sciences Research Scientist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Life Sciences Research Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Life Sciences Research Scientist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Life Sciences Research Scientist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$215,835$104.050%
Energy & Utilities$187,057$90.030%
Biotechnology$172,668$83.020%

How Education impacts a Life Sciences Research Scientist III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Life Sciences Research Scientist IIIs 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 III with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $146,444 and $154,929).

Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Life Sciences Research Scientist III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 0.2%
Associates 0.2%
Bachelors 6.6%
Masters 8.6%
Doctorate 84.4%
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Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Life Sciences Research Scientist III'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, 2026

Life Sciences Research Scientist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Life Sciences Research Scientist III, 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 III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Lead Pharmacokinetics Scientist $133,800 -7%
Bioinformatician IV $128,200 -11%
Analytical Development Scientist IV $118,800 -17%
Food and Beverage Technologist IV $128,800 -10%

Salary Trends for Life Sciences Research Scientist III

Salaries for a Life Sciences Research Scientist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $113,145 in 2023 to around $111,440 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Life Sciences Research Scientist III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Life Sciences Research Scientist III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$113,145
2024
$111,898
2025
$111,440
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $113,145
2024 $111,898
2025 $111,440
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Life Sciences Research Scientist III

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

Here are companies hiring for Life Sciences Research Scientist III and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Life Sciences Research Scientist III Job

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

United States
  • MD Staff, LLC

    Columbus, OH

    MD Staff, LLC | Columbus, OH

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    4 Days Ago

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    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Associate Vice President, Brand & External Communications. About the Company. National consulting & advisory services firm focused on the healthcare indust... more

    15 Days Ago

  • C.R. England

    Columbus, OH

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Credit Risk Strategy & Data Science. About the Company. High-growth SMB lender building the next generation of credit decisioning. Industry... more

    16 Days Ago

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    Columbus, OH

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    Regional CDL A Drivers | NEW Grads Welcome | Earn $70,000+ Annually. We're proud to be a 4th generation family truck line, started in 1935, but even proude... more

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    Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Life Sciences Research Scientist III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Life Sciences Research Scientist III?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Life Sciences Research Scientist III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Is life science consulting a good job?

The life science industry is diverse and offers significant growth potential, with salaries for research scientists ranging from $137,350 to $168,470. Investments in digital technology and analytics will create numerous opportunities to enhance our understanding of health and the environment. Life science consulting promises a robust career trajectory for those in the field.

3. What is Stanford top scientists 2%?

Stanford University's top 2% scientists for 2024 include notable researchers such as Prof. Wang Zhian from Applied Mathematics and Prof. Lau Shu Ping from Applied Physics, among others. In the field of Life Sciences, salaries for research scientists range from a minimum of $137,350 to a maximum of $168,470, with a mid-salary of $152,460.

4. How much does a research scientist III make at Amazon?

The salary for a Life Sciences Research Scientist typically ranges from $137,350 to $168,470 per year, with a mid-point average of $152,460. This is a more focused estimate compared to the broader range of $240K–$373K for a Research Scientist III at Amazon, which includes additional compensation.

5. How much does a life science research professional 4 make at Stanford?

The estimated total pay range for a Life Sciences Research Scientist is between $137,350 and $168,470 per year, with a mid-salary of $152,460. This figure encompasses base salary and potential additional compensation.

6. How much do top research scientists make?

Top research scientists in the Life Sciences field can expect to earn between $137,350 and $168,470 annually, with a median salary of $152,460. This reflects a competitive salary range, highlighting the value of expertise in this area.

7. What is the meaning of III in research?

The III in research typically denotes a level of expertise or experience, often indicating a senior or advanced position. In the context of a Life Sciences Research Scientist, this role may involve responsibilities such as leading projects, mentoring junior scientists, and contributing to significant research advancements. Salaries for this position range from $137,350 to $168,470, with a midpoint of $152,460.

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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