As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist III in the United States is $145,937 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
|
$154,693 |
6%
|
|
Immunology
|
$153,234 |
5%
|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$153,234 |
5%
|
|
Cell Biology
|
$151,774 |
4%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$150,315 |
3%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$150,315 |
3%
|
For Scientist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Scientist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $218,906 | $105.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $189,718 | $91.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $175,124 | $84.0 | 20% |
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 August 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 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $113,755 |
| 2024 | $112,502 |
| 2025 | $112,042 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Scientist III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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