upper level job

How much does a Botanist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Botanist in the United States is $78,266 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a Botanist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $113,290
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,646 to $96,599
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,246

Key Factors That Influence Botanist Salaries

A Botanist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Botanists

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: $98,717
  • San Francisco: $97,636
  • Oakland: $95,578

What Skills Can Increase a Botanist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.41% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Encryption (Mentioned in 3.7% Job Postings): Encryption is a way of scrambling data so that only authorized parties can understand the information.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 3.7% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.41%
Encryption 3.7%
Microsoft Office 3.7%

Botanist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Botanist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $78,266. While startup companies pay approximate $78,266.

Botanist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $78,266
Growth Stage 51~500 $78,266
Established 501~5000 $78,266
Enterprise 5000+ $78,266

Botanist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Botanist'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
$64,646
Average $78,266/year
$96,599
$5,387
Average $6,522/month
$8,050
$1,243
Average $1,505/week
$1,858
$31
Average $38/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,599 $8,050 $1,858 $46
Average $78,266 $6,522 $1,505 $38
25th Percentile $64,646 $5,387 $1,243 $31

Botanist Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Botanist, 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.

Botanist Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Agronomist $67,345 -14%
Biologist II $66,840 -15%
Geologist II $68,817 -12%
Geophysicist II $110,674 41%

Most common benefits for Botanist

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

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FAQ about Botanist

1. Where can a Botanist earn the most?

A Botanist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Botanist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Botanist is $98,717.

2. What is the highest pay for Botanist?

The highest pay for Botanist is $113,290.

3. What is the lowest pay for Botanist?

The lowest pay for Botanist is $52,246.

4. What are the responsibilities of Botanist?

Studies all aspects of plant life. Applies a wide range of concepts, practices, and procedures within a specific field of specialization. May require a bachelor's degree in biological sciences. Works under minimum supervision. Assignments are broad and complex in nature. Typically reports to a manager or head of the unit.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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