Research Scientist vs Climate Scientist: 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.
Climate Scientist
Study climate systems, model climate change, and analyse environmental data.
Research Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $365/year (0%) higher than a Climate Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Research Scientist vs Climate Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Research Scientist | Climate Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $116,069 | $120,559 | Research $4,490 |
| New York, NY | $96,854 | $97,952 | Research $1,098 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,232 | $116,831 | Research $599 |
| Austin, TX | $93,039 | $88,601 | Research +$4,438 |
| Chicago, IL | $87,810 | $89,017 | Research $1,207 |
| Boston, MA | $108,434 | $107,837 | Research +$597 |
| London, UK | £61,973 | £62,827 | Research $854 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,273 | CA$106,409 | Research +$864 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist or Climate Scientist earn more?+
A Research Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Research Scientist is $81,490/year, compared to $81,125/year for a Climate Scientist — a difference of $365 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Research Scientist or Climate Scientist?+
Research Scientist roles are growing at 8% YoY while Climate Scientist demand is growing at 22% YoY. Climate Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Research Scientist to Climate Scientist?+
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 Climate Scientist?+
Climate Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.