As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for pharmaceutical research in the US is $60,105, equivalent to $29 per hour, $1,156 weekly, or $5,009 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for pharmaceutical research in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for pharmaceutical research in the US vary widely, spanning from $47,334 to $70,469. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($53,420) and 75th percentile ($65,530), while top earners (90th percentile) make $70,469 per year. This $12,110 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Microbiology, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia pharmaceutical research often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 24 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
