As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Physicist in Champaign, IL is $95,115 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Research Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Physicist'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Physicist'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 |
|---|---|
| Clinical ... Level Research Physicist | $59,467 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Physicist | $68,811 |
| Research ... Level Research Physicist | $97,724 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Physicist | $105,568 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Physicist | $157,169 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.33% |
| SOP | 2.98% |
| Process Development | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$110,333 |
16%
|
|
Cell Culture
|
$109,382 |
15%
|
|
Chromatography
|
$104,626 |
10%
|
|
Process Development
|
$103,675 |
9%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$103,675 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$101,773 |
7%
|
For Research Physicist 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 Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Research Physicist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Physicist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $142,672 | $69.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $114,138 | $55.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Research Physicist'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Research Physicist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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