Lab Scientist / Researcher Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$93,000
national median salary
$68,000 to $121,000. Last updated August 2026.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $98,920 for Biological Scientists, All Other (SOC 19-1029) across the United States, based on 55,850 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$60,430
25th percentile
$76,800
Median
$98,920
75th percentile
$127,670
90th percentile
$168,010
Workers surveyed
55,850
What BLS published in each release
May 2024 release
$93,330
May 2025 release
$98,920
These are two separate published estimates, not a time series. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not encourage the use of OEWS data for time-series analysis. Differences between releases reflect changes in occupational classification, survey methodology, and the three-year pooled sample as well as any change in pay, so the two figures should not be read as a rate of wage growth.
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Biological Scientists, All Other (SOC 19-1029) rather than Lab Scientist / Researcherspecifically. The national range at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 19-1029Highest Paying
$127,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$97,000
Jersey City, NJ
Lowest Paying
$70,000
Charleston, WV
The salary figures on this page are computed estimates, not observed wages. Each one is a national role baseline scaled by a Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity cost-of-living multiplier (2025 index) and rounded to the nearest $1,000. No published wage percentile is consulted and no wage survey response enters the calculation, so an Orbyt estimate must not be cited as a Bureau of Labor Statistics figure or as measured pay. The published wage data Orbyt holds is Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Department of Labor H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, which record a filed minimum visa base wage rather than market pay. Where BLS publishes a wage for the occupation a role maps to, it is shown on that role's page as a separate benchmark, labelled with its occupation code, metro area and the number of employed workers it covers. Last updated August 2026. This role maps to BLS occupation code 19-1029. Full methodology.
Orbyt estimates the average Lab Scientist / Researcher salary in the United States at $93,000 in 2026, within a range of $68,000 to $121,000. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page. San Francisco is the highest of the 81 cities at $127,000, while Jersey City offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Degree level and industry setting are the primary drivers.
Lab Scientist / Researcher salary by city.
Skills that increase Lab Scientist / Researcher pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Lab Scientist / Researchers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $13,020 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$13,020 per year
≈ +$12,090 per year
≈ +$11,160 per year
≈ +$10,230 per year
≈ +$10,230 per year
≈ +$9,300 per year
≈ +$9,300 per year
≈ +$8,370 per year
What you should know.
Degree level and industry setting are the primary drivers. PhD researchers in pharma or biotech earn 30 to 50% more than bachelor's-level lab technicians. GLP/GMP compliance experience, instrument specialization, and grant-writing ability in academic settings influence compensation. Contract versus permanent status also creates significant pay differences.
Research associates start at $52,000 to $62,000 with a bachelor's degree. Senior scientists earn $70,000 to $92,000 after four to six years. Lab directors and principal investigators reach $95,000 to $135,000, with department heads at pharma companies exceeding $150,000.
Pharma and biotech companies offer 5 to 12% bonuses and stock purchase plans. Academic researchers receive tuition benefits, sabbatical leave, and conference funding. Contract lab roles pay higher hourly rates but lack benefits and job security.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Lab Scientist / Researchers typically earn $90,000 (3% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Lab Scientist / Researcher pay.
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