Biological Scientist salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A biological scientist earns a median of $98,920 a year ($47.56 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $106,330. About 55,850 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $98,920
- Gross pay
- $3,804.62
- Federal income tax
- −$497.40
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$235.89
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$55.17
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $3,016.16
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $98,920
- Federal
- $12,932
- FICA
- $7,567
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $78,420
- Marginal federal rate
- 22.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Atmospheric and Space Scientist: $99,070
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologist: $100,580
- Social Scientist and Related Worker: $101,110
- Hydrologist: $96,600
- School Psychologist: $95,990
- Geoscientist: $101,920
- Geographer: $102,040
- Medical Scientist: $103,410
BLS occupation: Biological Scientists, All Other. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 19-1029). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a biological scientist make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $47.56; the average is $51.12.
What is the salary range for a biological scientist?
The bottom 10% earn under $60,430 and the top 10% earn over $168,010 a year.
How much is $98,920 after taxes?
About $78,420 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $72,180 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.