Scientist Salary in Sacramento, California

How much does a Scientist make in Sacramento, CA?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Scientist in Sacramento, CA is $145,517. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $134,595 to $168,721, with most professionals earning between $124,652 and $189,848.

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Salary range for a Scientist

$134,595 to $168,721

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What is a Scientist?

A Scientist is someone who conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of interest. In classical antiquity, there was no real ancient analog of a modern Scientist. Instead, philosophers engaged in the philosophical study of nature called natural philosophy, a precursor of natural science. It was not until the 19th century that the term Scientist came into regular use after it was coined by the theologian, philosopher, and historian of science William Whewell in 1833, to describe the noted polymath Mary Somerville. In modern times, many scientists have advanced degrees in an ...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 09/06/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Job Openings for Scientist in Sacramento, CA

What does a Scientist do?

Common responsibilities of a Scientist

Manage materials to support various needs and suppliers in setting up/renewing contracts as required, issuing new purchase orders routing for approval through management chain.

March 01, 2023

Collaborate with developers in an open, creative environment to ensure timely completion of assigned deliverables, while managing multiple priorities.

January 25, 2023

Develop, backtest, and refine calculation or algorithmic methods for aggregate/derivative metric creation or other processes related to new data product development or refinement of existing products.

February 25, 2023

Provide support and assistance to Section and Project Managers in research, technical writing and model/simulation functions, as requested, as well as provide recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

March 13, 2023

Participate in integrated drug discovery research activities by interacting with scientists of different disciplines.

May 03, 2023

Performs quality control, evaluates the data, and takes appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision.

May 16, 2023

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Scientist Salary By Experience Levels in Sacramento, CA

How much should you be earning in Scientist in Sacramento, CA based on your current experience?

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RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE

Length of experience is a pay differentiator. Those with greater experience may have an advantage in negotiating salary. For those with less experience, other factors such as education or special skills could impact your pay. Please visit Professional Salary Report for more details.

Scientist Salary By Level of Education in Sacramento, CA

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LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Depending on the job, educational levels may have a significant impact on pay levels. Be informed and understand how things like education and certifications can help to increase potential earnings for the career you are interested in. Please visit Professional Salary Report for more details.

Average Salary Range for Scientist in Sacramento, CA

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

134595

168721

145517

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

138123

173232

151567

What is the average salary for Scientist in 2025?

These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Scientist in Sacramento, CA. The base salary for Scientist ranges from $134,595 to $168,721 with the average base salary of $145,517. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $138,123 to $173,232 with the average total cash compensation of $151,567.

View Average Salary for Scientist as table

	Average Salary	Average Salary Range
Base Salary	$145,517	$134,595 - $168,721
Bonus	$6,051	$3,527 - $4,511
Total Pay	$151,567	$138,123 - $173,232

* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.

* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

Scientist Salary Near Sacramento, CA

CITY, STATE	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE	COMPARE TO Sacramento, CA
CITY, STATE Elk Grove, CA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $134,397 - $168,472	COMPARE TO Sacramento, CA
CITY, STATE Roseville, CA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $134,247 - $168,285	COMPARE TO Sacramento, CA
CITY, STATE Stockton, CA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $133,203 - $166,976	COMPARE TO Sacramento, CA
CITY, STATE Fairfield, CA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $139,430 - $174,782	COMPARE TO Sacramento, CA
CITY, STATE Antioch, CA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $143,209 - $179,518	COMPARE TO Sacramento, CA
CITY, STATE Concord, CA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $139,530 - $174,907	COMPARE TO Sacramento, CA

See salaries for Scientist in locations close to Sacramento, CA. Pay for the same job may vary based on the location and on the location and on other factors such as the size of company, the industry, and other local conditions.

About Sacramento, California

Sacramento (/ˌsækrəˈmɛntoʊ/ SAK-rə-MEN-toh; Spanish: [sakɾaˈmento]) is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the seat of Sacramento County. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in Northern California's Sacramento Valley, Sacramento's estimated 2018 population of 501,334 makes it the sixth-largest city in California and the ninth largest capital in the United States. Sacramento is the seat of the California Assembly, the Governor of California, and Supreme Court of California, making it the state's political center and a hub for lobbying and th...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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