If the nervous system and its functions interest you, then becoming a neuroscientist might be ideal for you. This article is a guide on understanding the neuroscientist salary in the US. If you have ever wondered how much a neuroscientist makes, continue reading to find out.
This article contains a complete guide, you need to become a Neuroscientist, ranging from what neuroscientists do, where they work, how much they make, the top highest paying cities for neuroscientist jobs in te US and the job outlook for neurocientists.
Now, let’s get right in!
Table of contents
Neuroscientist
A Neuroscientist is a professional who specializes in studying the human nervous system. In this career, some neuroscientists specialize in one area of the nervous system such as the nerve cells, brain, and spinal cord while other neuroscientists focus on evaluating the impact of various disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Other neuroscientist specialties include:
- Neuropathology
- Neuroradiology
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Cell-molecular neuroscience
- Computational neuroscience
What Does a Neuroscientist Do?
Basically, the responsibilities and activities of a neuroscientist may vary depending on their specialties as well as their place of employment. For instance, a neuroscientist who works in a university will specialize in performing research tasks while a professional in a hospital will specialize in dealing with neurological patients.
While their tasks may differ, there are some roles that can help a professional to contribute to the field. A neuroscientist may:
- Experiment with tissues and cell samples
- Research treatment procedures for neurological disorders
- Conduct presentations about their findings at professional conferences
- Share their research in scholarly journals
- Analyze activities in the nervous systems
- Build models of the nervous system on the computer.
- Research treatment methods for neurological disorders.
- Spearheads clinical trials to test treatment plans.
- Research and analyze neurological responses in laboratory and clinical settings
While you’re here, you may want to check out: Heart Surgeon Salary 2022 | How Much Does a Heart Surgeon Make?
Where Do Neuroscientists Work?
Here are some of the places neuroscientists work in:
- Laboratories
- Government Institutions
- Research institutions
- Communication and media
- Education
- Industries
- Hospitals
What is the Average Salary for Neuroscientists?
The average Neuroscientist salary in the US is $61,33 per hour, $2,453 per week, $10,630 per month, and $127,558 per year – according to ZipRecruiter.
Glassdoor reports that the average Neuroscientist salary in the US is $216,716 per hour and $122,084 per year.
According to Indeed, a neuroscientist salary in the United States is $91,510 per year.
Also, Jobted reports that the highest salary of a neuroscientist in the United States can reach and exceed $166,550 gross per year. Zippia reports that the entry-level neuroscientist salary in the US is $42,000 per year and $74,000 per year for experienced neuroscientists.
In conclusion, the average Neuroscientist salary in the US is between $74,000 -$166, 550 per year.
| Neuroscientist salary per hour | $35.62 – $61,33 |
| Neuroscientist salary per week | $2,453 |
| Neuroscientist salary per month | $10,630 |
| Neuroscientist salary per year | $74,000 -$166, 550 |
Factors Affecting Neuroscientist Salary in the US
If you are interested in becoming a neuroscientist, you must understand that there are factors that affect the neuroscientist’s salary. They include:
- Experience Level: Just like in almost all other careers, the longer you work in this field, the higher your salary will go. Simply, your number of previous experiences impacts your salary.
- Employment Type: The employer, as well as the specialty you work in, can influence your pay. For instance, private sectors in this field may pay more than universities and colleges will. So, it will always help to first research the salary that works for you before applying for a neuroscientist job.
- Location: Location is another one of the strongest factors that may influence your pay as a neuroscientist. For instance, there are states and cities that pay the highest to neuroscientists. Basically, neuroscientists who work in states or cities with a higher cost of living may earn higher than their counterparts in states and cities with low cost of living.
- Specialty: Again the area of neuroscience you choose to specialize in can also influence your pay. You may need to find the area with the highest pay to specialize in.
What are the Top Highest Paying Cities for Neuroscientists?
| CITY | SALARY |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $159,542 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $155,312 |
| Cambridge, MA | $149,942 |
| Vacaville, CA | $146,614 |
| New York City, NY | $145,894 |
| Long Beach, CA | $144,696 |
| Fairfield, CA | $144,628 |
| Lynn, MA | $144,502 |
| Costa Mesa, CA | $143,867 |
| San Mateo, CA | $143,327 |
What are the Requirements to Become a Neuroscientist?
The requirements to become a neuroscientist include:
Education
To become a neuroscientist, you are expected to obtain a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as neuroscience or biology and at the same time, you can complete coursework in computer science, physics, and cognitive science.
This can be followed by a Master’s Degree for two years to advance your knowledge in biological sciences.
A Doctoral program may take up to six years to complete and you can take courses in your chosen specialty and learn about genetics that contributes to neurological conditions and medications.
In place of obtaining a Ph.D., we recommend you pursue an M.D., or Doctor of Medicine to help you gain clinical expertise. To do this, you will be required to undergo a residency program as well as earn a passing grade on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMILE).
On the other hand, we would recommend you study a discipline that offers teachings in physiology, human anatomy, and psychology for your undergraduate education.
Also, check out: Prosthetist Salary 2022 | How Much Does Prosthetist Make?
Fellowship
After you have completed your doctoral program, you are expected to participate in a fellowship to gain experience in a laboratory.
A fellowship helps you to gain experiences such as how to use the various laboratory instruments for neuroscience research as well as w to collaborate with fellow scientists to make breakthroughs.
What are the Skills Required to Become a Neuroscientist?
Here are some of the skills required to become a neuroscientist:
- The ability to use medical tools
- The ability to use computer programs
- Strong critical and decision-making skills
- Strong deductive and inductive reasoning
- The ability to recognize patterns in concepts, ideas and mathematical arrangements
- The ability to read complex materials
- Analytical skills
- Effective communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management skills
How Can I Become a Neuroscientist?
For further guidance on becoming a neuroscientist, the following tips will help.
Find a joint Ph.D./M.D. program
Gaining a joint doctoral degree can help to boost your qualifications in the neuroscience field. Also, you will gain the flexibility to transition between specialties without having to undergo further schooling.
Gain work experience where you can
Find entry-level positions to get in while you complete your degree programs. Gaining these experiences alongside your fellowship can boost your qualifications.
Build a professional network
While you earn your education credentials and gain work experience, it will help to build professional relationships with colleagues and supervisors in the field. This can expose you to more employment opportunities upon graduation.
Also, this will help you to better collaborate in the field as well as strengthen your access to resources that can help develop your research.
Career Prospects for Neuroscientists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the neuroscientist profession is expected to rise by 6% from 2019 to 2029. The demand for neuroscientists and neuroscience research may rise as members of the population grow older and may seek medical attention for neurological disorders.
Also, there is likely to be a need for a new medication to treat neurological patients and here, neuroscientists will be required to directly contribute.
Conclusion
The neuroscientist is a professional who specializes in studying the human nervous system. To become, you may need to fulfill the requirements outlined in the article. We wish you the best!
FAQs Neuroscientist Salary in 2023
A Neuroscientist is a professional who specializes in studying the human nervous system.
To become a neuroscientist, you are expected to study neuroscience, chemistry, biology, or any relevant field for the undergraduate program.
Sunnyvale, CA – $159,542
Santa Rosa, CA – $155,312
Cambridge, MA _ $149,942
Vacaville, CA – $146,614
New York City, NY – $145,894
The average Neuroscientist’s salary in the US is between $74,000 -$166, 550 per year.
To become a neuroscientist, you likely need a Ph.D., which will require up to four years to complete and then at least 5 or 6 years for your graduate school.
Laboratories
Government
Research institutions
Communication and media
Education
Industries
Hospitals
References
We Also Recommend
- IT Audit Salary 2023 | How Much Does It Audit Make?
- Facebook Data Scientist Salary | How Much Does Data Scientist Make?
- Nursing Home Administrator Salary In 2023 | Nursing Home Administrator Salary
- Cardiac Sonographer Salary | How much does a Cardiac Sonographer Make?
- How Much Money Do Surgeons Make?
- Children’s Therapist Salary in 2023 | How Much Does Children’s Therapist Make?
