ScienceUpdated Q1 2025No state income tax

Research Scientist Salary
in Plano, TX

Conduct original research to advance knowledge in a specific scientific discipline. Median salary in Plano: $103K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$103K
per year
Take-home: $72K

Salary range in Plano

Entry level (25th)$76,000
Median (50th)$103,000
Senior (75th)$139,000
Top earner (90th)$184,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Plano, Texas.

Key facts for Plano

Median salary
$103K
annual
Take-home pay
$72K
after fed/state tax
COL index
105
100 = US avg
State income tax
None
Texas advantage!
Avg 1BR rent
$1,500
per month
YoY growth
+4.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Plano Research Scientist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $103K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Plano

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Research Scientist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$86K$94K$102K$109K$117K201920212023202520272029
2026
$106K
projected
2027
$108K
projected
2028
$111K
projected
2029
$114K
projected
2030
$117K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$103,000+$0
2028 projected$103,000+$0
2029 projected$103,000+$0
2030 projected$103,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Research Scientist Salary in Plano, Texas: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Research Scientist salary in Plano, TX is $103,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Plano–TX metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Research Scientist in Plano

Entry-level Research Scientists in Plano with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $76,000 and $103,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $103,000 to $139,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $139,000 to $184,000 or more.

Cost of living in Plano for Research Scientists

Plano has a cost of living index of 105 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Plano are close to the national average. Crucially, Texas has no state income tax — giving Plano-based Research Scientists an immediate 5–7% take-home pay advantage over workers in states like California (9.3%) or New York (6.85%).

Education requirements for Research Scientist

PhD in relevant science field. 40% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Research Scientist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Plano (current)$103K105
Houston91
San Antonio87
Dallas96
Austin110
Fort Worth93