Quantum Jobs Salary FAQs
Quantum jobs are among the highest paying in tech and science.
Explore salaries by role, field, employer, and location, from entry level quantum computing to physicists and engineers.
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Quantum Salary Overview
How much does a quantum computing engineer make?
In the US, quantum computing engineers earn $120,000–$230,000 a year. Hardware specialists tend to earn at the higher end due to the scarcity of that skill set. Softwar focused quantum engineers typically land between $120,000–$180,000.
Check Quantum Jobs USA for current quantum salary ranges listed on active job postings.
What is the average quantum computing salary in the US?
The average quantum computing salary in the US ranges from $130,000 to $250,000+ depending on role and employer. Entry level positions start around $100,000–$140,000, while senior roles reach $200,000–$350,000+, including equity.
Salaries vary significantly between startups, big tech, and national labs. Quantum Jobs List regularly publishes salary data specific to quantum roles.
What is the entry-level quantum computing salary?
Entry-level quantum computing roles in the US typically pay $95,000–$140,000 a year. Internships at quantum companies pay around $40–$80 per hour depending on location. Common entry level titles include quantum software developer, quantum applications engineer, and quantum test engineer. Both Quantum Jobs USA and Quantum Jobs List show entry level salary ranges on current listings.
What is the quantum computing salary for freshers or new graduates?
New graduates entering quantum computing typically earn $90,000–$130,000 in the US depending on degree level and employer. A master's degree commands a noticeable salary premium over a bachelor's at most companies. PhD graduates entering industry directly often start at $140,000–$180,000.
Startups like Rigetti, IonQ, and PsiQuantum are among the active hirers of new graduates. You can learn more about quantum salaries here.
What is the average salary of a quantum computing engineer?
Recent data puts the average quantum computing engineer salary at $150,000–$200,000 in the US for mid-level roles. Senior engineers with 5+ years of experience regularly exceed $220,000 in total compensation. The numbers have trended upward year over year as commercial quantum activity increases.
Quantum Jobs USA is a reliable source for current, US-specific salary benchmarks.
Salary by Role
What is the quantum machine learning engineer salary?
Quantum machine learning engineers are among the highest paid in the field, earning $150,000–$280,000+ in the US. The role sits at the intersection of two high-demand specializations, driving compensation well above standard software engineering. Very few candidates hold this skill set, giving them strong negotiating leverage. Demand is growing fastest in healthcare, finance, and logistics sectors.
What is the quantum software engineer salary in the US?
Quantum software engineers earn $130,000–$200,000 a year in the US. Mid-level roles typically fall between $140,000–$180,000, while senior and staff-level positions reach $200,000–$280,000+. The salary range varies between large tech companies, startups, and national labs. Browse the Quantum Jobs List for current quantum software engineer salary data.
How much does a quantum physicist make in the US?
Quantum physicists in industry earn $150,000–$250,000+ annually. Academic positions typically pay less, ranging from $80,000–$150,000 depending on institution and seniority. PhD holders moving from academia into industry often see a significant compensation jump.
Companies like Quantinuum, Nord Quantique, and national labs are active employers of quantum physicists.
What is the quantum computing consultant or freelancer hourly rate?
Independent quantum computing consultants typically charge $150–$400+ per hour. Enterprise consulting engagements command premium rates, especially in finance and defense sectors. Strong publication records or startup advisory experience push rates toward the higher end. Freelance quantum computing is still a niche market, but growing as enterprise adoption increases.
What is the quantum computing research scientist's salary?
Quantum research scientists in the US earn $150,000–$300,000+ a year. National lab positions offer strong benefits and stability, though base salaries can be slightly lower than big tech. Startup research scientist roles often include equity that can significantly boost total compensation.
Quantum Jobs USA lists research scientist roles with salary ranges where disclosed.
What is the salary for a quantum error correction specialist?
Quantum error correction is one of the most specialized and highest-paid niches in the field. Salaries for dedicated error correction roles typically range from $160,000–$280,000+ in the US. Very few professionals hold deep expertise in this area, making them highly sought after.
Companies focused on fault-tolerant quantum computing actively compete for this talent.
Salary by Company
What is the IBM Quantum Research Scientist salary?
IBM Quantum Research Scientists typically earn $130,000–$220,000 a year in base salary. Total compensation increases substantially at senior levels, from Research Staff Member up to Distinguished Researcher. IBM also offers strong benefits and access to cutting-edge quantum hardware.
Similar roles at companies like Quantinuum and Honeywell Quantum Solutions offer comparable compensation.
What is the Google Quantum AI Research Scientist salary?
Google Quantum AI Research Scientists typically earn $180,000–$350,000+ in total compensation. Base salaries range from $150,000–$220,000, with significant RSU grants on top. Exact figures vary by level and negotiation outcome. Comparable roles exist at other well-funded quantum labs including those at Amazon and Microsoft.
Which companies pay the most for quantum computing roles?
Well-funded startups like PsiQuantum, IonQ, and Atom Computing often offer competitive base salaries plus meaningful equity. Large tech companies provide strong base pay and RSU packages. National labs like Argonne and Oak Ridge offer stability and benefits but slightly lower base salaries. Quantum Jobs List is a useful resource for comparing compensation across quantum employers.
What is the salary at quantum computing startups vs large companies?
Large tech companies typically offer higher base salaries and more structured compensation packages. Startups often compensate with equity that can be very valuable if the company grows. The trade-off depends on your risk appetite and career stage. Both Quantum Jobs USA and Quantum Jobs List show salary ranges across startup and enterprise quantum roles.
Adjacent Role Salaries
What is the quantum physics salary in the US?
Quantum physicists in industry earn $150,000–$250,000+ annually. Academic and research positions typically pay $80,000–$150,000. Industry roles at quantum companies consistently pay more than university positions.
How much does a quantum physicist make?
In the US, quantum physicists earn $90,000–$250,000 depending on sector and experience. Industry pays significantly more than academia. Check Quantum Jobs USA for current quantum physicist role salaries.
What is the PhD in quantum physics salary?
PhD holders entering industry typically start at $140,000–$200,000 in the US. Research scientist roles at quantum companies can reach $160,000–$300,000+ in total compensation. The PhD premium is significant in quantum compared to most other fields. You can learn more about salary with PhD here.
What do optical and photonics engineers earn?
Optical and photonics engineers in the US earn $100,000–$180,000 depending on specialization and experience. Roles in quantum communications and quantum sensing sit at the higher end. Demand is growing as quantum networking investment increases.
What is the computational chemistry salary in quantum companies?
Computational chemists working in quantum drug discovery and materials science earn $110,000–$200,000 in the US. Quantum simulation roles command a premium over traditional computational chemistry positions. It is one of the better paid intersections in the broader quantum job market.
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