As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Scientist in the United States is $107,974 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Project Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project 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 Project 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 |
|---|---|
| Geologist... Level Project Scientist | $67,848 |
| Geologist... Level Project Scientist | $84,334 |
| Project S... Level Project Scientist | $107,607 |
| Geologist... Level Project Scientist | $129,231 |
| Geologist... Level Project Scientist | $137,499 |
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 Project Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.39% |
| Technical Writing | 2.07% |
| Sample Collection | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$141,446 |
31%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$114,452 |
6%
|
|
Microsoft Word
|
$113,373 |
5%
|
|
Technical Excellence
|
$113,373 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$113,373 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$112,293 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project 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 Project Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $95,403 and $103,984).
Project Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 35.1% |
| High School | 59.7% |
| Associates | 5.2% |
| Bachelors | 35.1% |
| Masters | 59.7% |
| Doctorate | 5.2% |
Understanding how a Project 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 Project Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $133,296 in 2023 to around $121,461 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $133,296 |
| 2024 | $126,650 |
| 2025 | $121,461 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Project Scientist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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