Research Scientist

What We Do

Research Scientists work in a number of fields as biologists, environmental scientists, medical scientists, political scientists, or computer scientists and make hypothesis to determine results or tests and research criteria that give information relevant to their field of study.

Work Environment

Colleges and universities are popular places for Research Scientists to find employment, although medical facilities and government institutions also require the expertise of this career.

How to Become

A masters or Ph.D. is required in the specific field of science that the Research Scientist studies, such as psychology, biology, or politics.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is slightly higher than average, indicating a growth of 15%.

Salary

The average national salary of jobs for Research Scientist was $ 82,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide are 42% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Training & Certification Requirements

No specific certification is required in this career path.

Education Requirements

Easily find and compare Bachelor's, Master's & PhD Psychology programs required for a Research Scientist.

Compare the Top Salary Sites

We've researched the salary levels for Research Scientist from the top 3 job websites including Indeed.com, Careerbuilder.com and SimplyHired.com. Below are the compared salaries for Research Scientist:
Below are the salaries for Research Scientist, as quoted by the top job websites:

$ 82,000.00	$ 80,343.00	$ 76,000.00

Average Salaries Across the Country

The following lists ranks salaries in each state around the country.

Alabama - $ 83,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 13
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 83,000.00
Alaska - $ 62,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 47
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Alaska are 25% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 62,000.00
Arizona - $ 68,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 44
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Arizona are 17% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 68,000.00
Arkansas - $ 82,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 15
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Arkansas are the same as average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 82,000.00
California - $ 88,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 8
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 88,000.00
Colorado - $ 73,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 32
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 73,000.00
Connecticut - $ 95,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 4
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 95,000.00
DC - $ 103,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 1
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 24% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 103,000.00
Delaware - $ 72,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 38
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 72,000.00
Florida - $ 77,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 27
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 77,000.00
Georgia - $ 94,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 5
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 94,000.00
Hawaii - $ 52,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 51
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 37% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 52,000.00
Idaho - $ 55,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 50
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Idaho are 33% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 55,000.00
Illinois - $ 93,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 6
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 93,000.00
Indiana - $ 79,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 21
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 79,000.00
Iowa - $ 81,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 16
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 81,000.00
Kansas - $ 75,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 30
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 75,000.00
Kentucky - $ 70,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 42
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 15% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 70,000.00
Louisiana - $ 72,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 39
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 13% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 72,000.00
Maine - $ 73,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 33
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 73,000.00
Maryland - $ 85,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 10
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 85,000.00
Massachusetts - $ 99,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 3
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 99,000.00
Michigan - $ 84,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 11
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 84,000.00
Minnesota - $ 72,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 40
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 72,000.00
Mississippi - $ 86,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 9
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 4% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 86,000.00
Missouri - $ 80,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 18
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 80,000.00
Montana - $ 73,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 34
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Montana are 11% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 73,000.00
Nebraska - $ 60,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 49
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 60,000.00
Nevada - $ 64,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 45
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Nevada are 22% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 64,000.00
New Hampshire - $ 81,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 17
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 81,000.00
New Jersey - $ 89,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 7
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 89,000.00
New Mexico - $ 72,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 41
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 12% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 72,000.00
New York - $ 100,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 2
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in New York are 21% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 100,000.00
North Carolina - $ 79,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 22
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 79,000.00
North Dakota - $ 73,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 35
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 73,000.00
Ohio - $ 79,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 23
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 79,000.00
Oklahoma - $ 76,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 28
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 76,000.00
Oregon - $ 79,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 24
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Oregon are 5% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 79,000.00
Pennsylvania - $ 79,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 25
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 79,000.00
Rhode Island - $ 75,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 31
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 8% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 75,000.00
South Carolina - $ 80,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 19
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 3% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 80,000.00
South Dakota - $ 62,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 48
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 24% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 62,000.00
Tennessee - $ 76,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 29
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 8% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 76,000.00
Texas - $ 80,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 20
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 80,000.00
Utah - $ 64,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 46
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 64,000.00
Vermont - $ 73,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 36
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Vermont are 11% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 73,000.00
Virginia - $ 83,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 14
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Virginia are the same as average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 83,000.00
Washington - $ 84,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 12
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Washington are 1% higher than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 84,000.00
West Virginia - $ 78,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 26
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 78,000.00
Wisconsin - $ 73,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 37
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 73,000.00
Wyoming - $ 69,000.00 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Salary Rank: 43
Average Research Scientist salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Research Scientist salaries for job postings nationwide.
In USD as of March 24, 2014 55k 110k 165k Research Scientist $ 69,000.00

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