Toxicologists

Toxicologists have good earning potential. Wages vary depending on level of experience, education, and employer. According to Salary.com, in September 2020, the median salary for all toxicologists was $79,181. Salaries ranged from $52,643 or less to $110,591 or more. Toxicologists in executive positions earn more than $150,000, and in the corporate arena they can earn more than $250,000. Those in private industry earn slightly more than those in government or academic positions.

The Department of Labor reports that medical scientists, a profession that includes toxicologists, earned a median salary of $88,790 in 2019, with the lowest 10 percent earning $49,020 or less and the highest 10 percent earning $159,680 or more.

Salaries for toxicologists are, in general, on the rise, but the biggest factor determining earning potential is not location but type of employer. Certification also plays a large role in salary level; toxicologists who are certified earn higher salaries than those who have not earned certification. Comparing gender differences, the salary survey found that women continue to be paid less than their male counterparts.