As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist - Clinical Research in the United States is $100,797 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Scientist - Clinical Research's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Scientist - Clinical Research'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Scientist - Clinical Research'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Associate I | 0-2 years | $61,340 |
| Clinical Research Associate II | 2-4 years | $70,983 |
| Scientist - Clinical Research | 4-7 years | $100,797 |
| Clinical Research Manager | 7+ years | $108,900 |
| Clinical Research Director | 7+ years | $162,135 |
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 Scientist - Clinical Researches. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.33% |
| SOP | 2.98% |
| Process Development | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$116,925 |
16%
|
|
Cell Culture
|
$115,917 |
15%
|
|
Chromatography
|
$110,877 |
10%
|
|
Process Development
|
$109,869 |
9%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$109,869 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$107,853 |
7%
|
Scientist - Clinical Research salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $113,384. While startup companies pay approximate $96,277.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $96,277 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $101,720 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $109,596 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $113,384 |
For Scientist - Clinical Research roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Scientist - Clinical Research positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Scientist - Clinical Research as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $151,196 | $73.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $120,956 | $58.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Scientist - Clinical Researches enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Scientist - Clinical Research with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $96,322 and $106,046).
Scientist - Clinical Research Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 25.4% |
| Bachelors | 11.3% |
| Masters | 25.4% |
| Doctorate | 62.0% |
Understanding how a Scientist - Clinical Research'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 Scientist - Clinical Research, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Monitor IV | $112,641 | 12% |
| Clinical Research Manager | $108,900 | 8% |
Salaries for a Scientist - Clinical Research can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $87,046 in 2023 to around $84,761 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Scientist - Clinical Research salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $87,046 |
| 2024 | $85,583 |
| 2025 | $84,761 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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A Scientist - Clinical Research'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 Scientist - Clinical Research earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Scientist - Clinical Research is $127,135.
The highest pay for Scientist - Clinical Research is $125,788.
The lowest pay for Scientist - Clinical Research is $77,847.
Assumes lead role in various clinical research projects. Proposes, plans, organizes and executes experiments and research. Secures grants and funding for research and is responsible for controlling budgets. Summarizes findings in reports and communicates results. Interacts with other scientists within and outside of the organization. Provides recommendations that influence extensive clinical research activities. Requires an advanced degree. Typically reports to head of a unit/department. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Scientist - Clinical Research roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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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