As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Veterinary Research Scientist in the United States is $101,057 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Veterinary Research Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Veterinary Research Scientist'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 Veterinary Research Scientist'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 |
|---|---|
| Operation... Level Veterinary Research Scientist | $70,389 |
| Operation... Level Veterinary Research Scientist | $87,209 |
| Veterinar... Level Veterinary Research Scientist | $100,445 |
| Operation... Level Veterinary Research Scientist | $115,389 |
| Operation... Level Veterinary Research Scientist | $135,139 |
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 Veterinary Research Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.09% |
| Accounting | 1.92% |
| Microsoft Excel | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Insight
|
$105,099 |
4%
|
|
Logistics
|
$104,089 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$104,089 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$104,089 |
3%
|
|
Program Management
|
$103,078 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$103,078 |
2%
|
For Veterinary Research Scientist 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Veterinary Research Scientist positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Veterinary Research Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $141,480 | $68.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $136,427 | $66.0 | 35% |
| Business Services | $131,374 | $63.0 | 30% |
| Chemicals | $126,321 | $61.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $121,268 | $58.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Veterinary Research Scientists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Veterinary Research Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $90,215 and $96,658).
Veterinary Research Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.2% |
| High School | 5.2% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 28.4% |
| Masters | 50.5% |
| Doctorate | 11.9% |
Understanding how a Veterinary Research Scientist'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 Veterinary Research Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $103,857 in 2023 to around $102,540 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Veterinary Research Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $103,857 |
| 2024 | $103,384 |
| 2025 | $102,540 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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