As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a PK Specialist I in the United States is $75,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a PK Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A PK Specialist 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 PK Specialist 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level PK Specialist I | $74,466 |
| Intermediate Level PK Specialist I | $75,465 |
| Senior Level PK Specialist I | $77,524 |
| Specialist Level PK Specialist I | $77,936 |
| Expert Level PK Specialist I | $78,211 |
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 PK Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
PK Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $85,325. While startup companies pay approximate $72,404.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $72,404 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $76,512 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $82,452 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $85,325 |
For PK Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, PK Specialist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view PK Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $97,747 | $47.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $90,228 | $43.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a PK Specialist 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 PK Specialist 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 | $90,000 | 20% |
| Bioinformatician II | $82,200 | 9% |
| Biochemist | $77,501 | 3% |
| Biophysics Scientist | $77,401 | 3% |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for PK Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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