▲2%
$106,735
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$69k
MEDIAN
$107k
90%
$193k
The average salary for a Chief Scientist is $106,735 in 2025
Base Salary
$69k - $193k
Bonus
$1k - $10k
Total Pay
$70k - $193k
Is Average Early-Career Chief Scientist Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Chief Scientists?
What Do Chief Scientists Do?
Chief Scientist Tasks
- Lead research, set themes, and priorities and oversee objectives.
- Construct and direct prototyping and materials management for the research team.
- Complete, update, revise, and document budgets.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Chief Scientist
Medical
81%
Dental
75%
Vision
75%
None
19%
Gender Breakdown for Chief Scientists
Female
50.0%
Male
50.0%
This data is based on 12 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Chief Scientists
What is the highest pay for Chief Scientists?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Chief Scientist is $193k / year
What is the lowest pay for Chief Scientists?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Chief Scientist is $69k / year
How can Chief Scientists increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Chief Scientist is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Chief Scientist that oversees more junior Chief Scientists, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.