Life Science Salaries: What to Expect in the USA, UK, France and Germany

Thinking about a career in the life sciences? ichorbio has done extensive research on a range of careers within life science - in the USA, UK, France and Germany to help you understand the sorts of salaries you will be commanding in 2023. Our research shows that geography will have the biggest difference on your take-home pay.

Table of Contents

1. Life Science Salaries in the USA
2. Life Science Salaries in the UK
3. Life Science Salaries in France
4. Life Science Salaries in Germany

Here are some key points about PhD salaries in the life sciences in the USA:

• PhD students in the life sciences are typically supported by stipends while in graduate school. Stipends vary by field and institution, but average around $30,000 per year.

After graduating with a PhD in the life sciences, salaries vary widely by career path:

• Postdoctoral fellowships average around $45,000-55,000 per year. Many postdocs last 2-3 years before transitioning to other careers.
• Academia: Assistant professor salaries average $70,000-90,000. More senior faculty earn over $100,000.
• Industry: Salaries in biotech/pharma average $90,000 for entry level and can reach over $250,000 for senior scientists/executives.
• Government: Research scientist salaries range $60,000-$150,000 depending on experience and agency (NIH, CDC, etc).
• Non-profits/foundations: Salaries range widely, similar to industry and academia levels.
• Location also impacts salaries, with major biotech hubs like Boston and San Francisco paying higher.

In summary, life science PhD holders have a wide range of career options, with salaries varying from around $45,000 in training positions up to $250,000+ for senior industry or academic roles. The specific field of study, type of career, and location all impact average expected salaries.

Life Science Salaries in the United Kingdom (UK)

Here are some key points to consider about salaries in the life sciences in the UK:

• PhD students in the UK typically receive tax-free stipends from research councils or their university. These average £15,000-18,000 per year for 3-4 years.
• Postdoctoral research fellowships average £30,000-38,000 per year, usually for 2-3 years.
• Academic salaries: Lecturer/Assistant Professor positions start around £40,000. More senior lecturers earn £50,000-60,000. Professors make £60,000-£100,000+.
• Industry salaries: Entry level positions in pharma/biotech average £28,000-38,000. With experience salaries can reach £55,000-90,000 for senior scientists and over £100,000 for directors/executives.
• Government research scientist salaries range £30,000-£60,000 depending on agency and experience. More senior civil service roles can earn up to £90,000.
• Non-profits and foundations pay broadly similar salaries to industry/academia.
• As in the US, locations like London/South East pay higher salaries. Scotland/Northern England pay toward the lower ends of the ranges.

In summary, UK PhD life science salaries are generally lower than the US, starting in the £15,000-30,000 range and reaching £100,000+ for professors/executives. Field, sector, experience and location all impact salaries significantly.

Life Science Salaries in France:

• PhD students receive a fixed gross salary of around €23,000 per year for 3 years.
• Postdocs earn €30,000-40,000 gross per year, usually 2-3 years.
• Academic salaries: Assistant Professor €45,000-55,000 gross. Professors earn €60,000-90,000+.
• Industry salaries range from €35,000-50,000 for entry level to €80,000-120,000 for experienced researchers/executives.
• Government research scientists earn €40,000-60,000, more for senior roles.
• Non-profits and foundations pay broadly similar salaries to industry/academia.
• Location affects salaries, with Paris paying toward the higher end.

Life Science Salaries in Germany

• PhD students are considered employees, earning €40,000-50,000 gross for 3-4 years.
• Postdoc salaries average €45,000-55,000 gross per year.
• Academic salaries: Assistant Professor €50,000-65,000, Professor €65,000-105,000.
• Industry salaries range from €50,000 entry level to €100,000+ for experienced.
• Government scientists earn €50,000-75,000, more for senior roles.
• Non-profits and foundations pay broadly similar salaries to industry/academia.
• As in France, major cities like Munich pay toward the higher end of ranges.

When converting the different currencies into USD based on current (Nov 2023) exchange rates, our research shows that outside of the USA, salaries in Germany are highest for life science researchers. If you were trying to get the highest salary for each stage of your career, you might want to do your PhD and Post-doc in Germany, and then continue your career in the USA. France and the United Kingdom pay roughly the same annual salaries to life scientists at all stages of their career.

Table 1: Life Science Salaries in USD when working in the USA, UK, France or Germany