Research Scientist Salary in Sacramento, CA
Research Scientist salary data for Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA — 2026
The median Research Scientist salary in Sacramento, CA is $116,820 per year ($9,735/month, $56/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 118, which is 18% above the national average.
Research Scientist Take-Home Pay in Sacramento
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $116,820 |
| Federal Tax | -$17,314 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$10,864 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$8,937 |
| Annual Take-Home | $79,705 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $6,642 |
Living Cost Comparison
Research Scientist Requirements
Key Skills
Sacramento Job Market Overview
Sacramento, California has a population of 524,943 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Government, Healthcare, Technology. The local job growth rate is 2.0%, and the average commute time is 27 minutes.
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Research Scientist Salary in Nearby California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in Sacramento, CA?
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Sacramento after taxes?
Is Sacramento a good city for Research Scientists?
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Sacramento?
How does Research Scientist salary in Sacramento compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Research Scientist salary in Sacramento, CA?
The median Research Scientist salary in Sacramento, CA is $116,820 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. Entry-level Research Scientists earn around $67,260, while senior-level professionals can earn $152,220 or more.
How much does a Research Scientist take home in Sacramento after taxes?
A Research Scientist earning the median salary of $116,820 in Sacramento, CA takes home approximately $79,705 per year ($6,642/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 31.8%.
Is Sacramento a good city for Research Scientists?
Sacramento, CA has a cost of living index of 118 (above national average). Research Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Government, Healthcare, Technology.
What skills are needed for a Research Scientist in Sacramento?
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 Sacramento compare to the national average?
The national median Research Scientist salary is $99,000. In Sacramento, the adjusted salary is $116,820, which is 18.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.