As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist III in the United States is $145,834 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.
However, a Scientist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Scientist III'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.
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 Scientist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.04% |
| Immunology | 3.3% |
| Drug Discovery | 1.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oncology
|
$154,584 |
6%
|
|
Immunology
|
$153,126 |
5%
|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$153,126 |
5%
|
|
Cell Biology
|
$151,667 |
4%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$150,209 |
3%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$150,209 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Scientist IIIs 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 Scientist III with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $147,037 and $155,559).
Scientist III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.2% |
| Associates | 0.2% |
| Bachelors | 6.6% |
| Masters | 8.6% |
| Doctorate | 84.4% |
Understanding how a Scientist III'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Scientist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $113,755 in 2023 to around $112,042 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Scientist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $113,755 |
| 2024 | $112,502 |
| 2025 | $112,042 |
| 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.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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