Computational Science Salary in the United States

How much does a Computational Science make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computational Science in the United States is $178,058 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $196,987
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $164,296 to $187,966
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $151,766

Key Factors That Influence Computational Science Salaries

A Computational Science'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 Computational Science Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computational Science'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $118,399
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $134,918
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $180,925
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $217,898
  • Expert (over 8 years): $120,704
Levels Salary
Data Scie... Level Computational Science$118,399
Data Scie... Level Computational Science$134,918
Computati... Level Computational Science$180,925
Data Scie... Level Computational Science$217,898
Data Scie... Level Computational Science$120,704

How Do Computational Science Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Computational Sciences. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $197,146.
  • California: $196,398.
  • Massachusetts: $193,781.

Top Paying Cities for Computational Sciences

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: $224,585
  • San Francisco: $222,126
  • Oakland: $217,444

What Skills Can Increase a Computational Science's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 10.04% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.8% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Tableau (Mentioned in 1.55% Job Postings): Using business intelligence software to perform data analysis, data visualization, and the BI process of an organization.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 10.04%
Computer Science 3.8%
Tableau 1.55%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Computational Science's salary.

  • Attention to Detail: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Inference: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Attention to Detail $190,522
7%
Inference $186,961
5%
Products and Services $185,180
4%

Computational Science Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computational Science 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 Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Computational Science positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computational Science as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Computational Science

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$267,087$128.050%

Computational Science Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computational Science'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
$164,296
Average $178,058/year
$187,966
$13,691
Average $14,838/month
$15,664
$3,160
Average $3,424/week
$3,615
$79
Average $86/hour
$90
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $187,966 $15,664 $3,615 $90
Average $178,058 $14,838 $3,424 $86
25th Percentile $164,296 $13,691 $3,160 $79

Most common benefits for Computational Science

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

Common company salaries for Computational Science

Here are companies hiring for Computational Science and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computational Science

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computational Science?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Computational Science roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

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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