As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Phd Research Scientist in the United States is $113,370 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Phd Research Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Phd 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Phd Research 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 Phd Research Scientist | $111,067 |
| Intermediate Level Phd Research Scientist | $111,412 |
| Senior Level Phd Research Scientist | $112,564 |
| Specialist Level Phd Research Scientist | $113,946 |
| Expert Level Phd Research Scientist | $116,014 |
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 Phd Research Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 25% |
| Field Service | 25% |
| Radiology | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Phd Research 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 Phd Research Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $103,903 and $110,470).
Phd Research Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.3% |
| High School | 8.3% |
| Associates | 41.7% |
| Bachelors | 33.3% |
| Masters | 16.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Phd 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.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Phd Research Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $107,858 in 2023 to around $107,974 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Phd Research Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $107,858 |
| 2024 | $108,802 |
| 2025 | $107,974 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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