Drug Developers

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in May 2023, medical scientists who worked in drug development had mean annual salaries of $118,830. Salaries for medical scientists in general ranged from less than $61,810 annually for the lowest 10 percent to more than $168,020 for the top 10 percent of earners. Biochemists employed in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing had mean annual earnings of $109,270 a year, with salaries for all biochemists ranging from less than $64,680 to more than $175,790.

The average annual base salary for pharmaceutical scientists in the United States was $190,100 in 2023, according to a survey by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. Salaries ranged from less than $130,000 to $238,000 or more.

Most full-time positions offer extensive benefit plans, which may include stock options, 401(k) plans, and medical, dental, and vision care.