A neuropharmacologist is a type of medical scientist who studies the effect of drugs on the nervous system. In the US, these medical scientists earn nearly $133,000 per year compared to C$129,000 ($103,235 USD) in Canada and £68,000 ($83,301 USD) in the UK. Annual earnings in Australia and New Zealand are AU$178,000 ($142,297 USD) and NZ$149,000 ($108,815 USD), respectively, while those in South Africa are about R783,000 ($64,076 USD) and about Rs7,88,000 ($12,348 USD) in India. The annual neuropharmacologist salary varies by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting as further explained in this guide.
How Much Does a Neuropharmacologist make per Year?
This chart outlines average annual and hourly wages for neuropharmacologists in select countries worldwide.
| Neuropharmacologist Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $64 | C$62 | £33 | AU$86 | NZ$72 | Rs379 | R376 |
| Annual Wage | $132,861 | C$128,791 ($103,235 USD) |
£68,159 ($83,301 USD) |
AU$112,092 ($89,192 USD) |
NZ$149,394 ($108,815 USD) |
Rs7,88,405 ($12,348 USD) |
($12,348 USD) R782,741 ($64,076 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Neuropharmacologist Salary
Geographic region strongly influences earning potential for neuropharmacologists, but professional experience and work setting also affect salaries. This guide provides additional information on income and career insight for neuropharmacologists worldwide.
1. Geographic Area
Neuropharmacologist Salary in US
In the US, neuropharmacologists see annual base salaries close to $113,000, plus another $4,600 in additional bonus pay. Hourly wage earners receive an average of $64 per hour. Early career neuropharmacologists earn roughly $92,000 per year while annual salaries for those at the senior level are well over $165,000.
Neuropharmacologist Salary in Canada
Neuropharmacologists in Canada receive about C$129,000 per year, or C$62 per hour, with an additional C$4,500 in bonus income potential. Early career neuropharmacologists, or those with up to three years’ experience, earn about C$89,000 in annual income compared to senior level pay of more than C$160,000 per year.
Neuropharmacologist Salary in UK
The average annual salary for neuropharmacologists in the UK is nearly £68,000 per year, or £33 per hour. Bonus income can potentially boost overall pay another £2,400. Newly trained neuropharmacologists earn more than £47,000 per year, increasing with experience and responsibility to nearly £85,000 per year.
Neuropharmacologist Salary in Australia
Annual compensation for neuropharmacologists in Australia averages about AU$178,000 in base salary, plus an additional AU$6,200 in bonus income potential. Hourly wage earners receive AU$86 per hour. Entry level neuropharmacologists earn more than AU$123,000 per year while senior level professionals see annual earnings reaching AU$222,000.
Neuropharmacologist Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual salary for neuropharmacologists is more than NZ$149,000, and bonus income can add another NZ$5,000 or more to overall earnings. On average, the hourly wage is roughly $72. During the first three years’ of experience, neuropharmacologists earn well over NZ$103,000 per year, and see annual earnings increase with experience and responsibility to more than NZ$186,000 annually.
Neuropharmacologist Salary in India
The average annual pay for neuropharmacologists in India exceeds Rs7,88,000, or Rs379 per hour, plus Rs27,000 or more in additional bonus income pay. Entry level neuropharmacologists earn about Rs5,53,815 per year compared to their senior level colleagues with an average annual salary of about Rs9,97,000.
Neuropharmacologist Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, neuropharmacologists earn just under R783,000 per year, or an hourly wage of about R376 per hour. Bonus income incentives can add R27,000 in additional pay. Upon entering this career, annual pay averages roughly R546,000 while those with the most experience and responsibility at the senior level earn about R983,000 per year.
2. Experience
An increase of 79% to 81% in annual salaries can be seen with additional work experience. In the US, senior level professionals earn about $73,000 more per year than their entry level counterparts, an increase of 79%. The gap between entry level and senior level pay in the UK is about 81%, equating to roughly £38,000 per year in additional salary.
3. Industry
Neuropharmacologists are employed by government agencies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and research laboratories. Those who work in government agencies and private companies generally have less patient interaction compared to those working in hospitals and conducting research in a laboratory. Salaries may be higher in the private sector with greater potential for bonus income compared to public sector employment.
Working Hours
Most neuropharmacologists work full-time, 40 or more hours per week, although there are part-time employment opportunities available. Working hours for those employed in government agencies or pharmaceutical companies are typically during normal business hours Monday through Friday, while those in the midst of research may see the work day begin early and span into the evening with occasional weekend work necessary. Some also be required to travel for research needs, conferences, or training.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Benefits packages often include healthcare coverage and paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Some employers also offer retirement plans, health savings accounts, and reimbursement work travel. Worldwide, bonus pay was common and can potentially add large sums to overall earnings. Part-time employees may not be eligible for all benefits or bonus pay.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a growth of 13% for medical scientists, including neuropharmacologists, between 2016 and 2026. This increase is due to additional need for skilled professionals who can contribute to effective and efficient prescription drug medical treatment. To work as a neuropharmacologist, a bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry is typical prior to entering a master’s program in neuropharmacology. Those who continue their education to receive a PhD may have additional employment opportunities and higher salaries.
Conclusion
Compensation packages for Neuropharmacologists include solid base salaries and many also receive bonus pay. Benefits packages are comprehensive and typically include healthcare coverage, paid time off, and other perks. While most neuropharmacologists work full-time, some are employed part-time. Future growth that is faster than the average of all occupations is expected for this career field, which should continue to support salaries and offer ample employment opportunities for those wishing to enter this career field.
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