AI Drug Discovery Scientist.
Providence.
$168,000
median salary, 6% above the national average
$127,000 to $212,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Providence is 4% more expensive than the national average. For AI Drug Discovery Scientists, that shakes out to a median of $168,000, with the full range spanning $127,000 to $212,000. Compensation reflects the combination of computational biology expertise and ML engineering skills. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $151,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$109,000
to $134,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$143,000
to $176,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$185,000
to $218,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$210,000
to $260,000
Salary trend
+8% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $70,000 to the total package.
Base
$168,000
Equity
$42,000
Bonus
$18,000
Signing
$10,000
Estimated total: $238,000
How Providence compares
Providence, RI
$168,000
Cost of living: 4% above average
National Average
$158,000
Providence is $10,000 above
AI Drug Discovery Scientist salary by city
Salary by role in Providence
What you should know
The AI Drug Discovery Scientist landscape in Providence is not what most salary sites will tell you. Providence sits between Boston and New York, benefiting from both labor markets. The city's economy is driven by healthcare, higher education, and a growing design and creative sector anchored by RISD. Defense and marine industries also contribute to the local job market. Compensation reflects the combination of computational biology expertise and ML engineering skills. Scientists who can apply deep learning to molecular design, protein structure prediction, and ADMET modeling command premiums. Publication record in both ML and drug discovery venues adds significant value. Pharma industry experience amplifies salary above pure tech roles.
Postdoc scientists start at $110,000 to $130,000. Mid-level scientists with deployed drug discovery models reach $148,000 to $175,000. Senior scientists leading AI drug discovery programs earn $185,000 to $230,000. Directors of computational drug discovery at pharma companies can reach $260,000 to $340,000 in total compensation. In Providence, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity at biotech AI startups can be substantial, adding $30,000 to $100,000 in annual value. Pharma companies offer bonuses of 15% to 25% tied to pipeline milestones. Some organizations provide milestone bonuses when AI-discovered compounds advance through clinical trials. Benefits typically include generous research budgets. And on the tax side: rhode Island's top income tax rate is 5.99%. Providence has no city income tax. The state rate is moderate for the Northeast, and proximity to Boston creates competitive salary pressure. When someone quotes you $168,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Reference Boston salary benchmarks. Providence employers know they compete for talent with Boston and will often offer 85 to 95% of Boston rates to attract professionals. The range for AI Drug Discovery Scientists in Providence runs from $127,000 to $212,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
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Common questions.
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