Research Scientist vs Biologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Research Scientist
Conduct experiments and research to advance knowledge in scientific fields.
Biologist
Study living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Research Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $9,584/year (13%) higher than a Biologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Research Scientist vs Biologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Research Scientist | Biologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $116,069 | $104,471 | Research +$11,598 |
| New York, NY | $96,854 | $85,420 | Research +$11,434 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,232 | $104,628 | Research +$11,604 |
| Austin, TX | $93,039 | $77,983 | Research +$15,056 |
| Chicago, IL | $87,810 | $76,685 | Research +$11,125 |
| Boston, MA | $108,434 | $92,985 | Research +$15,449 |
| London, UK | £61,973 | £54,717 | Research +$7,256 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,273 | CA$95,380 | Research +$11,893 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist or Biologist earn more?+
A Research Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Research Scientist is $81,490/year, compared to $71,906/year for a Biologist — a difference of $9,584 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Research Scientist or Biologist?+
Research Scientist roles are growing at 8% YoY while Biologist demand is growing at 6% YoY. Research Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Research Scientist to Biologist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Data Analysis.
Which is harder to automate — Research Scientist or Biologist?+
Research Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.