Press Release
11/20/2024
For more information:
Rebecca Stauffer
AAPS Communications Manager
[email protected]
AAPS Salary Survey Shows Decrease in Base Salary in United States
Only Survey to Exclusively Address Compensation Trends for Pharmaceutical Scientists
Arlington, VA—The base salary of those employed full time in the pharmaceutical sciences in the United States was $183,600, according to the 2024 AAPS Salary Survey. This represents a decrease of 3.5% compared to the 2023 survey.
In comparison, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that wages and salaries in the United States increased 3.9% in the 12-month period ending in September 2024.
According to the survey, among those working in the pharmaceutical sciences, individuals under 35 are making between $109,800-$179,000 in the United States while the median annual earnings for those ages 20-34 are $90,480, per BLS data.
“While the decline in base salary is notable, it is important to recognize that compensation in the pharmaceutical sciences remains highly competitive, particularly for those under 35, who earn significantly more than their peers in many other fields,” 2025 AAPS President, Russell Weiner, Ph.D., FAAPS, said. “This underscores the value and demand for expertise in our profession. For early-career professionals and students, I encourage you to explore AAPS’ robust career development resources to navigate this dynamic landscape and use the Salary Survey as a powerful tool to advocate for fair and competitive compensation in your next role.”
“From what I see, salaries have decreased for most positions. If it is a pretty senior position or a supply issue, and if there is a need for data science skills, the company will pay slightly more,” said STEM Career Strategist Sarah Cardozo Duncan.
The AAPS Salary Survey is the only survey that exclusively tracks compensation data within the pharmaceutical science sector. Each year, AAPS surveys its members about salary and compensation information, and demographic data. The survey collects information about base salary as well as supplemental income, including bonuses, summer-time work, grants, summer teaching, etc., and income from other professional work such as consulting. Information is also collected about salaries outside the United States.
Salary data is also analyzed by education level, years of experience, and career field (industry or academia).
The survey is an AAPS members-only benefit that can be accessed at www.aaps.org/salary. AAPS members also have access to a Salary Calculator for full-time employees in the United States that can be used to research salaries across industry and academia. This data is used by AAPS members who are individually negotiating salaries as well as setting salary bands at a corporate level.
###
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association of more than 7,000 scientists and professionals employed in academia, industry, regulatory, and other research related to the pharmaceutical sciences worldwide. Its mission is to advance the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and therapies that improve global health, which members pursue through four peer-reviewed journals and various events in person and online. www.aaps.org
AAPS provides Career Development resources specific to scientists working in the pharmaceutical industry at every stage of their careers. Resources include webinars, workshops, sessions at AAPS in-person events, articles in the AAPS Newsmagazine, and the annual salary survey—the only salary survey focused on pharmaceutical scientists. www.aaps.org/career-development