SSalario

Research Scientist Salary in Garden Grove, CA

Research Scientist salary data for Garden Grove, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Research Scientist Salary in Garden Grove, CA — 2026

The median Research Scientist salary in Garden Grove, CA is $148,797 per year ($12,400/month, $72/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 150.3, which is 50% above the national average.

Entry Level
$86K
$41/hr
Median
$149K
$72/hr
Senior
$194K
$93/hr
Top Earner
$256K
$123/hr

Research Scientist Take-Home Pay in Garden Grove

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$148,797
Federal Tax-$24,958
State Tax (9.3%)-$13,838
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$11,383
Annual Take-Home$98,618
Monthly Take-Home$8,218

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,966/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.9%
Median Home Price$720,000
Cost of Living Index150.3
City Median Salary$53,021
Research Scientist vs City Median+$95,776

Research Scientist Requirements

Education
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Experience
2-5 years postdoc
Job Growth
8.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Research DesignData AnalysisGrant WritingStatistical MethodsLab Management

Garden Grove Job Market Overview

Garden Grove, California has a population of 172,646 and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. The top industries are Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. The local job growth rate is 1.6%, and the average commute time is 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Research Scientist salary in Garden Grove, CA?
The median Research Scientist salary in Garden Grove, CA is $148,797 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 150.3. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $85,671, while senior-level professionals can earn $193,887 or more.
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Garden Grove after taxes?
A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $148,797 in Garden Grove, CA takes home approximately $98,618 per year ($8,218/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 33.7%.
Is Garden Grove a good city for Research Scientists?
Garden Grove, CA has a cost of living index of 150.3 (above national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.4% and top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Garden Grove?
Key skills for Research Scientists include Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing, Statistical Methods, Lab Management. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training.
How does Research Scientist salary in Garden Grove compare to the national average?
The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Garden Grove, the adjusted salary is $148,797, which is 50.3% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Use our free paycheck calculator to see your after-tax income based on your specific salary, deductions, and filing status.

Calculate Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Research Scientist salary in Garden Grove, CA?

The median Research Scientist salary in Garden Grove, CA is $148,797 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 150.3. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $85,671, while senior-level professionals can earn $193,887 or more.

How much does a Research Scientist take home in Garden Grove after taxes?

A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $148,797 in Garden Grove, CA takes home approximately $98,618 per year ($8,218/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 33.7%.

Is Garden Grove a good city for Research Scientists?

Garden Grove, CA has a cost of living index of 150.3 (above national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.4% and top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.

What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Garden Grove?

Key skills for Research Scientists include Research Design, Data Analysis, Grant Writing, Statistical Methods, Lab Management. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Field, Postdoctoral Training.

How does Research Scientist salary in Garden Grove compare to the national average?

The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Garden Grove, the adjusted salary is $148,797, which is 50.3% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.