As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cognitive Scientist in the United States is $96,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Cognitive Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cognitive Scientist'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 Cognitive Scientist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Employee ... Level Cognitive Scientist | $62,975 |
| Employee ... Level Cognitive Scientist | $81,231 |
| Cognitive... Level Cognitive Scientist | $98,447 |
| Employee ... Level Cognitive Scientist | $112,250 |
| Employee ... Level Cognitive Scientist | $120,762 |
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 Cognitive Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.04% |
| Case Management | 1.89% |
| HRIS | 0.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$108,774 |
13%
|
|
HRIS
|
$107,811 |
12%
|
|
Labor Relations
|
$106,848 |
11%
|
|
Consulting
|
$106,848 |
11%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$104,923 |
9%
|
|
HR Analytics
|
$103,961 |
8%
|
For Cognitive Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Cognitive Scientist positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cognitive Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $105,886 | $51.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cognitive Scientists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Cognitive Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $97,547 and $103,571).
Cognitive Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.2% |
| High School | 6.2% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 55.6% |
| Masters | 33.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.5% |
Understanding how a Cognitive Scientist'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, 2026Salaries for a Cognitive Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $87,734 in 2023 to around $87,818 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cognitive Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $87,734 |
| 2024 | $88,198 |
| 2025 | $87,818 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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