How much money does a senior scientist make?

A senior scientist designs and executes research projects. They also manage a team of other scientists while also liaising with other business units such as marketing, sales, development, quality, engineering, etc. Senior scientists are expected to be subject matter experts within their organization regarding specific areas in their field.

This requirement means that senior scientists need a master's degree in their field to have sufficient training and knowledge to perform the role well. This means that senior scientists with a Ph.D. will have higher pay for the position.

Similarly, highly experienced senior scientists have more opportunities to earn salaries in the top ten percent range. They also have more opportunities to pursue promotions that will also lead to higher pay rates.

Finally, working in industries like pharmaceuticals and technology, which have a higher need for good research scientists, will also translate into higher earning potential. Meanwhile, working in university settings will typically lead to lower earning potential.