As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Scientist in Modesto, CA is $77,388 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Assistant Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Assistant 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant 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 |
|---|---|
| Assistant... Level Assistant Scientist | $77,795 |
| Data Scie... Level Assistant Scientist | $95,184 |
| Data Scie... Level Assistant Scientist | $121,769 |
| Data Scie... Level Assistant Scientist | $138,758 |
| Data Scie... Level Assistant Scientist | $186,074 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.33% |
| SQL | 3.32% |
| Economics | 1.42% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$87,448 |
13%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$85,900 |
11%
|
|
Inference
|
$83,579 |
8%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$83,579 |
8%
|
|
Predictive Analytics
|
$82,805 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$82,031 |
6%
|
For Assistant Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Scientist positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $100,604 | $48.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $100,604 | $48.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $96,735 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $92,865 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,996 | $43.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Assistant 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 September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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