Research scientist salary in United States

The average salary for a Research Scientist is $145,960 per year in the United States. This figure is based on 3k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on September 14, 2026.

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Research Scientist salaries typically range between a low of $69,430 and a high of $306,847 per year, depending on experience, location, and the hiring company.

Some of the highest-paying cities for Research Scientist include San Jose, CA at $267,944 per year, San Francisco, CA at $230,878 per year, and Seattle, WA at $206,864 per year.

Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Research Scientist include MERCOR ($350,000 per year) and HARVEY ($300,000 per year).

Compensation can vary based on the specific niche and level of responsibility within the field. Here is how the average Research Scientist salary compares to related positions:

• Junior Research Scientist: Average $81,402 per year
• Senior Research Scientist: Average $147,946 per year