Surf Search specializes in life science recruiting in the Columbus area. As recruiters focused on this niche for many years, we have deep knowledge of life science industries, strong relationships with our partner companies, and an enormous candidate talent pool. We are recognized in the life sciences recruiting industry as recruiters who source and place highly desirable life science candidates across the country.
Columbus is the capital city of Ohio. It is famous for a lot of things including football, beautiful parks, zoos, theaters, and museums. The Ohio State Buckeyes football team from Ohio State University has made the state even more famous by claiming eight national titles so far. Thanks to its impressive teaching system and research facilities, this historical school now has 57,000 students on its main campus alone. Biological sciences, psychology, and nursing make up a large percentage of the most popular fields of study in the university. Today, they have a heart and lung research center, aeronautical lab, polar research center, and other laboratories on the Columbus campus. Therefore, plenty of large institutions in the life sciences fields such as pharmaceuticals and biotech have been built right in Columbus including Aerotek and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
Trust Surf Search. We have an understanding of the life sciences job market in Columbus, both from the candidate’s and hiring manager’s perspective. We know how important it is to identify top biotech, healthcare, medical device and pharma talent. Our extensive regional network means top candidates AND top companies. Our detailed screening and interviewing process identifies uniquely qualified candidates who not only excel technically but are also a cultural fit for your company.
Part of Surf Search’s life sciences recruiting practice.
2026 salary guide
Compare the guide’s low, median and high salary figures before setting your hiring budget.
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) | $116,000 | $225,000 | $381,000 |
| Clinical Specialist, Biotechnology | $63,000 | $94,000 | $152,000 |
| Epidemiologist | $56,000 | $81,000 | $118,000 |
| Genetic Counselor | $63,000 | $82,000 | $103,000 |
| Microbiologist | $43,000 | $55,000 | $76,000 |
| Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology | $45,000 | $59,000 | $80,000 |
| Research Scientist, Biotechnology | $54,000 | $94,000 | $144,000 |
| Toxicologist | $54,000 | $95,000 | $149,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Operations Manager | $54,000 | $94,000 | $140,000 |
| Family Physician / Doctor | $97,000 | $205,000 | $302,000 |
| Hospital Administrator | $60,000 | $101,000 | $166,000 |
| Medical Director, Medicine | $176,000 | $314,000 | $457,000 |
| Medical Director, Utilization Review (UR) | $176,000 | $314,000 | $457,000 |
| Nurse Case Manager | $69,000 | $83,000 | $100,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $93,000 | $118,000 | $152,000 |
| Physician / Doctor, General Practice | $97,000 | $205,000 | $302,000 |
| Physician / Doctor, Internal Medicine | $120,000 | $234,000 | $335,000 |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | $83,000 | $112,000 | $151,000 |
| Product Manager, Healthcare | $71,000 | $111,000 | $146,000 |
| Quality Management (QM) Director | $86,000 | $149,000 | $224,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $56,000 | $71,000 | $86,000 |
| Research Analyst, Healthcare | $37,000 | $71,000 | $96,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Engineer, Medical Devices | $60,000 | $95,000 | $131,000 |
| Clinical Specialist, Medical Devices | $58,000 | $92,000 | $128,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineer, Medical Devices | $57,000 | $80,000 | $107,000 |
| Medical Device Sales Representative | $48,000 | $82,000 | $128,000 |
| Product Manager, Medical Devices | $88,000 | $105,000 | $131,000 |
| Quality Engineer, Medical Devices | $64,000 | $87,000 | $109,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Coordinator | $45,000 | $69,000 | $104,000 |
| Clinical Manager | $68,000 | $97,000 | $133,000 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) | $49,000 | $64,000 | $82,000 |
| Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals | $100,000 | $156,000 | $230,000 |
| Medical Director, Medicine | $176,000 | $314,000 | $457,000 |
| Medical Science Liaison | $101,000 | $171,000 | $217,000 |
| Project Manager, Pharmaceuticals | $69,000 | $101,000 | $146,000 |
| Research Scientist | $58,000 | $89,000 | $130,000 |
| Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals | $58,000 | $98,000 | $127,000 |
Surf Search’s 2026 guide publishes these median annual salary figures for Columbus: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO): $225,000; Quality Management (QM) Director: $149,000; Medical Device Sales Representative: $82,000; Quality Engineer, Medical Devices: $87,000; Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals: $156,000; Medical Science Liaison: $171,000; Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals: $98,000. Compare the low and high figures in the tables above as well. The roles represent different responsibilities and levels, so use the matching role as a starting point and discuss your particular assignment with our team.
Source: Surf Search Life Sciences 2026 Salary Guide. Published annual salary figures; individual offers depend on the role, experience and compensation package.
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