As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry in the United States is $100,735 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry'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 Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry'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 Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry | $60,726 |
| Clinical ... Level Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry | $70,301 |
| Scientist... Level Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry | $99,766 |
| Clinical ... Level Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry | $107,851 |
| Clinical ... Level Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry | $160,605 |
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 Scientist, Medicinal Chemistries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.33% |
| SOP | 2.98% |
| Process Development | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$116,853 |
16%
|
|
Cell Culture
|
$115,845 |
15%
|
|
Chromatography
|
$110,809 |
10%
|
|
Process Development
|
$109,801 |
9%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$109,801 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$107,786 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Scientist, Medicinal Chemistries enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $96,322 and $106,046).
Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 25.4% |
| Bachelors | 11.3% |
| Masters | 25.4% |
| Doctorate | 62.0% |
Understanding how a Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,193 in 2023 to around $83,930 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $86,193 |
| 2024 | $84,744 |
| 2025 | $83,930 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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