How much does a life scientist make?
a year · about $45 an hour
A typical life scientist in the United States makes $93,750 a year, about $45 an hour, about 1.8× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A lab-based life scientist may prepare samples, use a microscope, and record what happens in an experiment. They analyze results on a computer, discuss findings with teammates, and write reports or give presentations.
Did you know? One NIH-funded U.S. scientist is developing light-up tags inspired by bioluminescence to help researchers study living cells.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $58,670 and $186,260How do you become one?
Study biology or a related science and get lab experience; a bachelor’s opens some entry jobs. Some start after college in their early 20s; independent research often needs a Ph.D. and postdoc, and any license or exam depends on specialty.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, advanced degrees or sought-after certificates, and the specialty or difficulty of the work. Government, university, and private research employers may pay differently, as can location. Time-sensitive experiments can also mean longer hours.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in South Carolina ($169,440), lowest in Ohio ($62,950).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $58,670 | $93,750 | $186,260 | about 7,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $169,440 | — |
| District of Columbia | $167,640 | about 50 |
| Massachusetts | $125,260 | about 100 |
| Arizona | $122,580 | — |
| Oregon | $113,450 | about 160 |
Official definition: All life scientists not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1099.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2020/may/oes191099.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/print/biochemists-and-biophysic
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/print/microbiologists.htm
- nigms.nih.gov/biobeat/2017/07/chasing-fireflies-and-better-cellular-imaging-tech
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY