Research Scientist vs Statistician: 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.
Statistician
Apply statistical methods to collect, analyse, and interpret complex data.
Statistician earns more on average — the national median is $24,160/year (30%) higher than a Research Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Research Scientist vs Statistician — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Research Scientist | Statistician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $116,069 | $152,338 | Research $36,269 |
| New York, NY | $96,854 | $128,568 | Research $31,714 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,232 | $105,650 | Research +$10,582 |
| Austin, TX | $93,039 | $118,719 | Research $25,680 |
| Chicago, IL | $87,810 | $110,383 | Research $22,573 |
| Boston, MA | $108,434 | $138,973 | Research $30,539 |
| London, UK | £61,973 | £81,101 | Research $19,128 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,273 | CA$139,336 | Research $32,063 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist or Statistician earn more?+
A Statistician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Research Scientist is $81,490/year, compared to $105,650/year for a Statistician — a difference of $24,160 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Research Scientist or Statistician?+
Research Scientist roles are growing at 8% YoY while Statistician demand is growing at 30% YoY. Statistician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Research Scientist to Statistician?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Experimental Design.
Which is harder to automate — Research Scientist or Statistician?+
Research Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.