As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Physician in the United States is $101,356 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Research Physician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Physician'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 Research Physician'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 |
|---|---|
| Clinical ... Level Research Physician | $61,089 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Physician | $70,692 |
| Research ... Level Research Physician | $100,384 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Physician | $108,454 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Physician | $161,470 |
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 Research Physicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.33% |
| SOP | 2.98% |
| Process Development | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$117,573 |
16%
|
|
Cell Culture
|
$116,559 |
15%
|
|
Chromatography
|
$111,492 |
10%
|
|
Process Development
|
$110,478 |
9%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$110,478 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$108,451 |
7%
|
For Research Physician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Research Physician positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Physician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $152,034 | $73.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $121,627 | $58.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Physicians enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Research Physician with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $96,322 and $106,046).
Research Physician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 25.4% |
| Bachelors | 11.3% |
| Masters | 25.4% |
| Doctorate | 62.0% |
Understanding how a Research Physician'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Research Physician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,689 in 2023 to around $84,414 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Physician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $86,689 |
| 2024 | $85,232 |
| 2025 | $84,414 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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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