Research Scientist: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Research Scientists earn a national median of $117,960/yr with 0.6% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Geography, Computers and Electronics, Mathematics.
Median Salary
$117,960
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
0.6%
Slower than average
Employed Nationally
22,580
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Research Scientist
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Research Scientist candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Research Scientist performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Research Scientist roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 0.6% for Research Scientist roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 22,580
- Projected Growth
- 0.6%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Research Scientist do?
- Research Scientists apply expertise in Geography, Computers and Electronics, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing.
- How much does a Research Scientist make?
- The national median salary for a Research Scientist is $117,960 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Research Scientist a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Research Scientist roles is projected to grow 0.6% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 22,580 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Research Scientist?
- The typical entry-level education for a Research Scientist is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Research Scientists need?
- The most important skills for Research Scientist roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Science, Mathematics, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis. Key tools and technologies include: Geographic information system GIS systems, Python, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Simple Storage Service S3.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.