As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Phd Scientist in the United States is $98,003 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Phd Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Phd 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 Phd 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 |
|---|---|
| Vendor Qu... Level Phd Scientist | $79,766 |
| Phd Scien... Level Phd Scientist | $99,351 |
| Vendor Qu... Level Phd Scientist | $105,105 |
| Vendor Qu... Level Phd Scientist | $125,410 |
| Vendor Qu... Level Phd Scientist | $148,583 |
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 Phd Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.25% |
| Credit Card | 1.39% |
| ERP Systems | 0.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Negotiating
|
$104,864 |
7%
|
|
PowerPoint
|
$101,924 |
4%
|
|
Workday
|
$101,924 |
4%
|
|
Forecasting
|
$100,944 |
3%
|
|
Economics
|
$100,944 |
3%
|
|
Supply Chain Management
|
$100,944 |
3%
|
For Phd Scientist 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 Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Phd Scientist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Phd Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $147,005 | $71.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Phd 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 Phd Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $85,444 and $89,508).
Phd Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 18.0% |
| High School | 18.0% |
| Associates | 7.2% |
| Bachelors | 47.7% |
| Masters | 24.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.7% |
Understanding how a Phd 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Phd Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,954 in 2023 to around $70,126 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Phd Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,954 |
| 2024 | $70,650 |
| 2025 | $70,126 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Phd Scientist 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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