As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pharmacologist I in the United States is $71,802 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Pharmacologist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Pharmacologist 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 Pharmacologist 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacologist I | 0-2 years | $71,802 |
| Pharmacologist II | 2-4 years | $89,567 |
| Pharmacologist III | 4-7 years | $103,394 |
| Pharmacologist IV | 7+ years | $122,551 |
| Pharmacologist V | 7-10 years | $154,488 |
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 Pharmacologist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Pharmacologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,429. While startup companies pay approximate $69,081.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,081 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,004 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,691 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,429 |
For Pharmacologist I 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, Pharmacologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pharmacologist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $86,162 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $78,982 | $38.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Pharmacologist 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Pharmacologist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacokinetics Scientist II | $89,937 | 25% |
| Bioinformatics Analyst II | $82,188 | 14% |
| Biochemist II | $77,319 | 8% |
| Biophysicist | $77,172 | 7% |
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A Pharmacologist I'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 Pharmacologist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Pharmacologist I is $90,564.
The highest pay for Pharmacologist I is $88,795.
The lowest pay for Pharmacologist I is $64,984.
Studies the effects of drugs, chemicals, and other substances on humans, animals, and/or plants. Collects data, tests compounds for safety and efficacy, and runs experiments. May develop in-vivo, in-vitro, and/or ex-vivo models for compound screening and profiling. Responsible for the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of experimental findings. Maintains substantial knowledge of pharmacology best practices and theories. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Pharmacologist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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