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Scientist I - Pharmacology Salary in the United States

How much does a Scientist I - Pharmacology make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist I - Pharmacology in the United States is $71,813 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $89,141
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,213 to $80,883
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,935
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Scientist I - Pharmacology Salaries

A Scientist I - Pharmacology'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 Scientist I - Pharmacology Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Scientist I - Pharmacology'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:

  • Scientist I - Pharmacology (0-2 years): $71,792
  • Clinical Pharmacologist II (2-4 years): $89,561
  • Clinical Pharmacologist III (4-7 years): $103,376
  • Clinical Pharmacologist IV (7+ years): $122,559
  • Clinical Pharmacologist V (7-10 years): $154,486
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Scientist I - Pharmacology0-2 years$71,792
Clinical Pharmacologist II2-4 years$89,561
Clinical Pharmacologist III4-7 years$103,376
Clinical Pharmacologist IV7+ years$122,559
Clinical Pharmacologist V7-10 years$154,486
View as Graph

How Do Scientist I - Pharmacology Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Scientist I - Pharmacologies. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $79,503.
  • California: $79,203.
  • Massachusetts: $78,153.

Top Paying Cities for Scientist I - Pharmacologies

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: $90,573
  • San Francisco: $89,573
  • Oakland: $87,693

Scientist I - Pharmacology Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Scientist I - Pharmacology salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,400. While startup companies pay approximate $69,053.

Scientist I - Pharmacology Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,053
Growth Stage 51~500 $72,977
Established 501~5000 $78,650
Enterprise 5000+ $81,400

Scientist I - Pharmacology Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Scientist I - Pharmacology 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 Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Scientist I - Pharmacology positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Scientist I - Pharmacology as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Scientist I - Pharmacology

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$86,176$41.020%
Healthcare$78,994$38.010%

Scientist I - Pharmacology Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Scientist I - Pharmacology'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 September 01, 2026
$68,213
Average $71,813/year
$80,883
$5,684
Average $5,984/month
$6,740
$1,312
Average $1,381/week
$1,555
$33
Average $35/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,883 $6,740 $1,555 $39
Average $71,813 $5,984 $1,381 $35
25th Percentile $68,213 $5,684 $1,312 $33

Scientist I - Pharmacology Salary Growth & Career Path

Scientist I - Pharmacology

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Scientist I - Pharmacology, 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 25%
Bioinformatician II $82,200 14%
Biochemist $77,701 8%
Biophysics Scientist $77,501 8%

Most common benefits for Scientist I - Pharmacology

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Scientist I - Pharmacology

Here are companies hiring for Scientist I - Pharmacology and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Scientist I - Pharmacology

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Scientist I - Pharmacology?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Scientist I - Pharmacology roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much does a Pharmaceutical Scientist earn in the USA?

A Pharmaceutical Scientist in the USA typically earns between $75,123 and $88,213, with a median salary of $82,713. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field. Salaries below this range may be considered outliers, while those significantly above may represent advanced positions or specialized roles.

3. How much can I make with a masters in pharmacology?

With a master's in pharmacology, you can expect a salary range between $75,123 and $88,213, with a median salary of approximately $82,713. While some cities may offer significantly higher salaries, this range reflects typical earnings in the field. Your actual salary may vary based on location, experience, and specific job roles.

4. How much does a PhD scientist make in the US?

The salary for a Scientist in Pharmacology typically ranges from a minimum of $75,123 to a maximum of $88,213, with a mid-range salary of approximately $82,713. This reflects the compensation landscape for PhD-level scientists in this field in the US.

5. Is becoming a Pharmaceutical Scientist worth it?

Becoming a Pharmaceutical Scientist can be worth it, given the strong earning potential. With salaries ranging from $75,123 to $88,213, this career path offers financial rewards for those with the right expertise. Additionally, the demand for pharmaceutical scientists continues to grow, making it a promising field for aspiring professionals.

6. Which country pays Pharmacologist the most?

The salary for Pharmacologists varies significantly by country. In the United States, for instance, the salary range is approximately $75,123 to $88,213, with a median of around $82,713. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, and Germany are also known for offering competitive salaries in this field, often exceeding these figures.

7. What is the highest degree in pharmacology?

The highest degree in pharmacology is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology, which focuses on advanced research and study in the field. Professionals in this area can expect salaries ranging from $75,123 to $88,213, with a median salary of approximately $82,713, reflecting the expertise and demand for pharmacology specialists.

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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