As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientific Director in the United States is $195,844 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.
However, a Scientific Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Scientific Director'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 Scientific Director'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 Scientific Director | $191,288 |
| Intermediate Level Scientific Director | $191,881 |
| Senior Level Scientific Director | $192,475 |
| Specialist Level Scientific Director | $193,306 |
| Expert Level Scientific Director | $195,844 |
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 Scientific Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.71% |
| Bioinformatics | 2.78% |
| Computer Science | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oncology
|
$217,387 |
11%
|
|
Insight
|
$211,512 |
8%
|
|
Talent Acquisition
|
$211,512 |
8%
|
|
Immunology
|
$211,512 |
8%
|
|
Integrity
|
$209,553 |
7%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$209,553 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Scientific Directors 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 Scientific Director with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $178,509 and $192,116).
Scientific Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.0% |
| High School | 12.1% |
| Associates | 79.9% |
| Bachelors | 8.0% |
| Masters | 12.1% |
| Doctorate | 79.9% |
Understanding how a Scientific Director'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Scientific Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $183,820 in 2023 to around $176,502 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Scientific Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $183,820 |
| 2024 | $179,156 |
| 2025 | $176,502 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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