As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applied Research Scientist in California is $121,252 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Applied Research Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Applied Research Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $136,775 | $11,398 | $2,630 | $66 |
| Average | $121,252 | $10,104 | $2,332 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,704 | $9,559 | $2,206 | $55 |
RPM Research - San Diego, CA
Intuit - Mountain View, CA
Amgen - Newbury Park, CA
KMR Search Group - San Rafael, CA
An Applied 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Applied Research Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how an Applied 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $136,775 | $11,398 | $2,630 | $66 |
| Average | $121,252 | $10,104 | $2,332 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,704 | $9,559 | $2,206 | $55 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Applied Research Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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