As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Research Scientist in the United States is $87,063 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, an Entry Level Research Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Research 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 an Entry Level Research 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 |
|---|---|
| Spares Co... Level Entry Level Research Scientist | $64,404 |
| Spares Co... Level Entry Level Research Scientist | $74,100 |
| Spares Co... Level Entry Level Research Scientist | $85,381 |
| Spares Co... Level Entry Level Research Scientist | $104,278 |
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Research Scientist | $89,380 |
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 Entry Level Research Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Entry Level Research Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Research Scientist positions in Software & Networking or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Research Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $113,182 | $54.0 | 30% |
| MFG Durable | $104,476 | $50.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Research 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 an Entry Level Research Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $101,915 and $109,184).
Entry Level Research Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 100.0% |
| High School | 100.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Research 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 an Entry Level Research Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,137 in 2023 to around $99,084 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Research Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $99,137 |
| 2024 | $99,857 |
| 2025 | $99,084 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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