How Much Do Research Scientist Jobs Pay in San Diego? (November 2026)
As of November 2026, the median Research Scientist salary in San Diego is $220,825 a year. Most roles pay between $135,843 and $332,315 (the 10th–90th percentile), drawn from 8 live salaried listings across 6 companies. All figures are converted to annual US dollars so different sources compare like-for-like.
How pay has moved
Median base salary by month, from our monthly salary snapshots.
Highest-paying employers
- AVP, AI/ML - Generative Foundation Models for BiotherapeuticsDirector, AI/ML - Generative Foundation Models for BiotherapeuticsAdvisor - AI/ML Generative Foundation Models for BiotherapeuticsAll Lilly roles →
Employers ranked by median advertised base among those with at least two salaried listings in San Diego; each one’s best-paying open roles are listed beneath it.
Methodology: Research Scientist listings in San Diego with a published salary, updated daily. Figures come from roles that are open right now. Ranges and single figures are converted to an annual US-dollar midpoint; hourly rates are annualised and out-of-band values dropped. Salary data is self-reported by employers and covers the roles that disclose pay — treat it as a directional guide, not a guarantee.