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Scientist III - Pharmacology Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist III - Pharmacology in the United States is $103,393 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $127,426
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $95,803 to $115,973
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,893

Key Factors That Influence Scientist III - Pharmacology Salaries

A Scientist III - 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 III - Pharmacology Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Scientist III - 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:

  • Clinical Pharmacologist I (0-2 years): $71,792
  • Clinical Pharmacologist II (2-4 years): $89,561
  • Scientist III - Pharmacology (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
Clinical Pharmacologist I0-2 years$71,792
Clinical Pharmacologist II2-4 years$89,561
Scientist III - Pharmacology4-7 years$103,376
Clinical Pharmacologist IV7+ years$122,559
Clinical Pharmacologist V7-10 years$154,486

Top Paying Cities for Scientist III - 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: $130,403
  • San Francisco: $128,983
  • Oakland: $126,263

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

Scientist III - Pharmacology salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $117,196. While startup companies pay approximate $99,420.

Scientist III - Pharmacology Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $99,420
Growth Stage 51~500 $105,069
Established 501~5000 $113,237
Enterprise 5000+ $117,196

Scientist III - Pharmacology Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Scientist III - Pharmacology

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$124,072$60.020%
Chemicals$113,732$55.010%

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

Understanding how a Scientist III - 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
$95,803
Average $103,393/year
$115,973
$7,984
Average $8,616/month
$9,664
$1,842
Average $1,988/week
$2,230
$46
Average $50/hour
$56
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $115,973 $9,664 $2,230 $56
Average $103,393 $8,616 $1,988 $50
25th Percentile $95,803 $7,984 $1,842 $46

Scientist III - Pharmacology Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Scientist III - 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.

Scientist III - Pharmacology Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Lead Pharmacokinetics Scientist $133,800 29%
Bioinformatician IV $128,200 24%
Analytical Development Scientist IV $118,800 15%
Food and Beverage Technologist IV $128,800 25%

Most common benefits for Scientist III - Pharmacology

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

Common company salaries for Scientist III - Pharmacology

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

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FAQ about Scientist III - Pharmacology

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

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

2. 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 $108,853 to $135,783, with a median salary of $121,553, reflecting the expertise and demand for pharmacology specialists.

3. What is the highest salary in pharmacology?

The highest salary for a Scientist in Pharmacology is $135,783. While salaries can vary, the majority range from a minimum of $108,853 to a mid-level of $121,553. This data reflects the current compensation landscape for professionals in this field.

4. Which big pharma pays the most?

Last year, Bristol-Myers' median pay was $121,553, which is competitive within the industry. The salary range for a Scientist in Pharmacology typically spans from $108,853 to $135,783, indicating that top companies are offering attractive compensation packages to attract talent in this field.

5. Who makes more money, pharmacist or Pharmacologist?

Pharmacists generally earn more than pharmacologists. In 2023, the median salary for a pharmacologist is $121,553, with a range from $108,853 to $135,783. In contrast, pharmacists have a median salary of $136,030, with the top 10 percent earning over $168,650, indicating a higher earning potential for pharmacists compared to pharmacologists.

6. 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 $108,853 to $135,783, with a median salary of $121,553, reflecting the expertise and demand for pharmacology specialists.

7. How much does a scientist III make at Alexion?

The estimated total pay range for a Scientist III at Alexion Pharmaceuticals is approximately $108,853 to $135,783 per year, based on salary data for pharmacology scientists. The average base salary for this position is around $121,553 annually, which includes both base salary and potential additional compensation.

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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