The Salary Range of Research Scientists
Research scientists perform research in a specific industry or discipline to discover ways to create or improve products, environments and technology. Their work assists in finding medical cures, developing pharmaceuticals and other products. In February 2011, PayScale.com reported average salaries for research scientists in a variety of disciplines based on 2,823 individuals working in this occupation reporting their wages.
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Average Salary
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Of the research scientists reporting in wages to PayScale.com, many reported receiving a base salary, bonuses and profit sharing. Ninety-two percent report receiving benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and the ability to work in a casual-dress environment. The average bonus ranges from $2,062 to $9,534 per year, and average profit sharing ranges from $1,513 to $7,547 per year. The total average compensation ranges from $52,173 to $93,559 per year.
Qualifications
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Some research scientist occupations require at least a bachelor's degree, but many require an advanced degree in a discipline related to the research they perform. Salary can vary based on the discipline a research scientist studies. Those who obtained a master of science degree earn average salaries ranging from $50,028 to $81,949 per year. Those who obtained a doctoral degree in chemistry earned average salaries ranging from $73,766 to $91,101 per year. Those who obtained a doctorate degree in physics receive average salaries ranging from $78,021 to $101,302 per year.
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Industries
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Among the industries research scientists work in, high levels of employment are in pharmaceuticals, education, college and universities, health care, and research and development in biotechnology. The highest salaries are in the pharmaceutical industry, where research scientists earn $63,294 to $97,026 per year. In academics, average salaries range from $52,534 to $83,948 per year. In biotechnology, average salaries range from $58,638 to $91,727 per year.
Geography
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Salary vary in different geographical areas. A high concentration of research scientists are in Boston, San Diego, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Salaries in Boston range from $54,045 to $94,584 per year. The highest salaries are in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where research scientists earn average salaries ranging from $70,258 to $142,431 per year.
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References
- Photo Credit laboratory image by Radu Razvan from Fotolia.com
