As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research And Development Scientist in the United States is $115,728 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Research And Development Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Research And Development Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $125,024 | $10,419 | $2,404 | $60 |
| Average | $115,728 | $9,644 | $2,226 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,218 | $8,852 | $2,043 | $51 |
A Research And Development 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 Research And Development 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Research And Development Scientist | $114,804 |
| Intermediate Level Research And Development Scientist | $115,068 |
| Senior Level Research And Development Scientist | $116,125 |
| Specialist Level Research And Development Scientist | $120,695 |
| Expert Level Research And Development Scientist | $122,934 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.08% |
| Computer Vision | 2.84% |
| Deep Learning | 2.06% |
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 Research And Development Scientist's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Learning | $126,144 | |
| Computer Vision | $123,829 | |
| Artificial Intelligence | $122,672 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research And Development 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 Research And Development Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,563 and $123,542).
| Typical Education for Research And Development Scientist | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 14.7% |
| Masters | 25.7% |
| Doctorate | 58.7% |
Understanding how a Research And Development 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $125,024 | $10,419 | $2,404 | $60 |
| Average | $115,728 | $9,644 | $2,226 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,218 | $8,852 | $2,043 | $51 |
Salaries for a Research And Development Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $120,997 in 2023 to around $119,699 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research And Development Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $120,997 |
| 2024 | $121,403 |
| 2025 | $119,699 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Research And Development Scientist roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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