United States
Job
Principal Scientist

Average Principal Scientist with Project Management Skills Salary in San Diego, California

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$127,901
/ year

Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$82k
MEDIAN
$128k
90%
$160k

The average salary for a Principal Scientist is $127,901 in 2025

Base Salary
$82k - $160k
Bonus
$5k - $15k
Profit Sharing
$0 - $6k
Total Pay
$88k - $172k
Based on 13 salary profiles (last updated Oct 30 2023)
Is Average Principal Scientist with Project Management Skills Salary in San Diego, California your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What Do Principal Scientists Do?

Find your market worth – how it works:

Common Health Benefits for a Principal Scientist

Medical
86%
Dental
86%
Vision
86%
None
14%

Gender Breakdown for Principal Scientists

Female
66.7%
Male
33.3%
This data is based on 3 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
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FAQs About Principal Scientists

What is the highest pay for Principal Scientists in San Diego?

Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Principal Scientist in San Diego is $160k / year

What is the lowest pay for Principal Scientists in San Diego?

Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Principal Scientist in San Diego is $82k / year

How can Principal Scientists increase their salary?

Increasing your pay as a Principal Scientist is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Principal Scientist that oversees more junior Principal Scientists, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.

WHAT AM I WORTH?
What your skills are worth in the job market is constantly changing.
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