How Much Does a Scientific Researcher Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Scientific Researcher in California is $145,710. While Salary.com is seeing that Scientific Researcher salary in CA can go up to $185,694 or down to $124,545, but most earn between $134,632 and $166,639. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $134,632 10% $124,545 90% $185,694 75% $166,639 $145,710 50%(Median)
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Similar Job Salaries to Scientific Researcher by Company

FIND A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER
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Company average base salary in (usd) range
$119,177/yr
$105,816
$132,537
RANGE: $105,816 - $132,537
Rose International
Necropsy Scientific Researcher
$156,325/yr
$135,115
$177,535
RANGE: $135,115 - $177,535
R&D Partners
Scientific Researcher (Necropsy/Animal Handling)
$119,177/yr
$105,816
$132,537
RANGE: $105,816 - $132,537
Advanced Clinical
Scientific Researcher
$122,106/yr
$108,299
$135,913
RANGE: $108,299 - $135,913
Clean Harbors
Scientific Researcher
$79,144/yr
$69,266
$89,023
RANGE: $69,266 - $89,023
Insight Global
Scientific Researcher
$100,031/yr
$88,880
$111,183
RANGE: $88,880 - $111,183
Evonik Degussa Corporation
Scientific Researcher
$96,290/yr
$85,556
$107,025
RANGE: $85,556 - $107,025
NES Fircroft
Scientific Researcher
$84,518/yr
$73,968
$95,067
RANGE: $73,968 - $95,067
Talent Software Services
Scientific Researcher I
$136,679/yr
$121,476
$151,882
RANGE: $121,476 - $151,882
University of Alabama at Birmingham
TEMPORARY SERVICES: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER
$87,667/yr
$77,839
$97,495
RANGE: $77,839 - $97,495

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Scientific Researcher Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Scientific Researcher can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Scientific Researcher job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Scientific Researcher jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Scientific Researcher positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Scientific Researcher salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Scientific Researcher salary is $166,622 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Scientific Researcher salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Scientific Researcher in California is $145,710, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Scientific Researcher jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Scientific Researcher jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $166,622 $13,885 $3,204 $80
Santa Clara $166,622 $13,885 $3,204 $80
Fremont $166,305 $13,859 $3,198 $80
San Francisco $164,984 $13,749 $3,173 $79
Daly City $164,984 $13,749 $3,173 $79
Berkeley $161,325 $13,444 $3,102 $78
Oakland $161,325 $13,444 $3,102 $78
Hayward $161,061 $13,422 $3,097 $77
Antioch $152,210 $12,684 $2,927 $73
Vallejo $148,617 $12,385 $2,858 $71

What Does a Scientific Researcher Do?

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Frequently Asked Questions About a Scientific Researcher Salaries

What is the average of a Scientific Researcher in California?

The Scientific Researcher salary range is from $134,632 to $166,639, and the average Scientific Researcher salary is $145,710/year in California. The Scientific Researcher's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Scientific Researcher salary in the United States?

The Scientific Researcher salary in San Jose, CA is $166,622 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Scientific Researcher's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Scientific Researcher.

What is the growth rate of the Scientific Researcher's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Scientific Researcher or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Scientific Researcher.