Q: Do you need a Ph.D. to be a principal scientist?

No, you need a Ph.D. to be a principal scientist. At a minimum, you'll need a master's degree, but employers may require a doctorate in some cases. It largely comes down to the industry and the amount of hands-on experience you have.

Question 1

Do you need a Ph.D. to be a principal scientist?

Accepted Answer

No, you need a Ph.D. to be a principal scientist. At a minimum, you'll need a master's degree, but employers may require a doctorate in some cases. It largely comes down to the industry and the amount of hands-on experience you have.

Question 2

How do you get promoted to principal scientist?

Accepted Answer

To get promoted to principal scientist requires putting in the time, standing out as a leader, going that extra mile, having good people skills, and understanding the relationship between the business and technical side of things.

Question 3

How much do principal scientists make?

Accepted Answer

Principal scientists make $125,000 a year, on average ($60.12 an hour). However, there is a considerable range in how much a principal scientist can make - starting from as little as $97,000 to as high as $160,000 a year. Factors such as location and industry impact how much a principal scientist can make.

Question 4

Is a principal scientist higher than a senior scientist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a principal scientist is higher than a senior scientist. The principal scientist is generally the person who runs their own research laboratory. A senior research scientist works in a principal scientist's lab, usually with a high degree of independence.

Question 5

What is the hierarchy of job titles for scientists?

Accepted Answer

The hierarchy of job titles for scientists includes two to three levels of scientist roles followed by senior and principal roles. An entry-level position as a scientist is known as a Scientist I position.

Frequently asked questions about principal scientists

Questions about becoming a principal scientist

Do you need a Ph.D. to be a principal scientist?

How do you get promoted to principal scientist?

How much do principal scientists make?

Is a principal scientist higher than a senior scientist?

What is the hierarchy of job titles for scientists?