ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Research Scientist Salary in Boston

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$111,028/yr

Typical range: $114,795 $138,605

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Research Scientist Salary Progression in Boston

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$111,028$9,252
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$140,067$11,672+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$160,564$13,380+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$182,770$15,231+65%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$230,598$19,217+108%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$267,493$22,291+141%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$276,717$23,060+149%
Current Salary
$111,028
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$140,067
Junior · 2
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Research Scientist salary in Boston, MA?

Entry Level Research Scientists in Boston, MA earn approximately $111K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Research Scientist make per hour in Boston, MA?

Based on $111K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Research Scientist in Boston, MA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Research Scientist in Boston, MA earns $211K–$254K/yr.