High-paying science jobs in San Diego
Science explores the natural world through research and experimentation. Scientists test hypotheses, analyze data, and contribute new knowledge. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are important.
The 240 science jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $61,125 and $163,754 per year. Scientist, Life Science Consultant and Associate Scientist are among the most popular high-paying roles in San Diego, CA.
Job title
Updated Nov 10, 2026
Job title
San Diego, CA
California
Job openings (San Diego)
Principal Scientist
San Diego
$163,754
per year
California
$190,162
per year
Life Science Consultant
San Diego
$132,497
per year
California
$104,396
per year
R&D Engineer
San Diego
$130,471
per year
California
$127,654
per year
Senior Scientist
San Diego
$128,071
per year
California
$140,458
per year
Senior Research Scientist
San Diego
$116,113
per year
California
$192,136
per year
Electrical Designer
San Diego
$114,377
per year
California
$125,263
per year
Scientist
San Diego
$113,599
per year
California
$123,778
per year
Associate Scientist
San Diego
$38.71
per hour
California
$32.82
per hour
Senior Research Associate
San Diego
$30.71
per hour
California
$38.40
per hour
Research Associate
San Diego
$29.16
per hour
California
$32.58
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
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Principal Scientist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Principal Scientists lead research initiatives, driving innovation and strategic direction. They must have extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and deep industry knowledge.
Currently, 12% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 0% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$163,754 per yearCalifornia
$190,162 per year -
Life Science Consultant
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Life science consultants provide strategic guidance for life science organizations, leveraging their expertise. Key skills for this role include strong analytical skills, industry knowledge and effective communication.
Life Science Consultant jobs take 16 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$132,497 per yearCalifornia
$104,396 per year -
R&D Engineer
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
R&D engineers develop innovative products and solutions through research and testing. Candidates should possess strong technical skills, creativity and knowledge of industry trends.
R&D Engineer jobs take 23 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 5% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$130,471 per yearCalifornia
$127,654 per yearSkills
- Software development
- C
- C++
- APIs
- .NET
-
Senior Scientist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior scientists lead research initiatives and mentor junior staff in their field of expertise. Key skills for this role include extensive knowledge, strong analytical skills and effective leadership.
Currently, 12% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$128,071 per yearCalifornia
$140,458 per yearSkills
- Communication skills
- Research
- Research & development
- Laboratory experience
- Analysis skills
-
Senior Research Scientist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior research scientists lead innovative research projects, mentoring teams and driving discovery. They usually have extensive technical expertise, leadership skills and deep knowledge of methodologies.
Currently, 14% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$116,113 per yearCalifornia
$192,136 per yearSkills
- Python
- Machine learning
- AI
- Analysis skills
- R
-
Electrical Designer
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Electrical designers create electrical system plans and specifications for projects. Strong technical drawing skills, knowledge of codes and attention to detail are essential in this role.
Electrical Designer jobs take 37 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 19% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$114,377 per yearCalifornia
$125,263 per yearSkills
- Electrical experience
- AutoCAD
- Manufacturing
- Programmable logic controllers
- English
-
Scientist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Scientists conduct research and experiments to develop new knowledge or products. Key skills for this role include analytical thinking, technical expertise and effective communication.
Scientist jobs take 26 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 18% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$113,599 per yearCalifornia
$123,778 per yearSkills
- Python
- Machine learning
- Analysis skills
- Laboratory experience
-
Associate Scientist
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Associate Scientists support research initiatives through experimentation and analysis. They should have technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively.
Associate Scientist jobs take 32 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 1% of job openings are part-time roles.
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San Diego
$38.71 per hourCalifornia
$32.82 per hourSkills
- Data science
- Analytics
- Laboratory experience
- Chemical engineering
- Machine learning
-
Senior Research Associate
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Senior research associates lead research projects, mentor staff and present findings. Candidates typically require strong analytical capabilities, experience in project design and the ability to collaborate across teams.
Senior Research Associate jobs take 13 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
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San Diego
$30.71 per hourCalifornia
$38.40 per hourSkills
- Research
- English
- Analysis skills
- Laboratory experience
- High-performance liquid chromatography
-
Research Associate
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Research associates assist in studies by conducting experiments and gathering data. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and knowledge of research methods are essential in this role.
Research Associate jobs take 62 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 10% of job openings offer remote or hybrid positions and 6% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
San Diego
$29.16 per hourCalifornia
$32.58 per hourSkills
- Research
- English
- Research & development
- Microsoft Excel
- Analysis skills