Surf Search specializes in life science recruiting in the Philadelphia 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.
Philadelphia is a city full of history, and offers a unique setting for a mix of modern lifestyles – both the sophisticated and the edgy. 300-year-old brick buildings intersect with public murals and mosaics, giving the city a rich cultural kick. Philly is packed with art galleries, music venues and theaters, and each section of the city is distinct. It’s an area that recruiters don’t have to work hard to sell. It’s also the home to several top medical schools, including Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, and Temple’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine. The region has thus benefited from top scientific research spawning industry-leading biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical start-ups.
Trust Surf Search. We have an understanding of the life sciences job market in Philadelphia, 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) | $138,000 | $267,000 | $452,000 |
| Clinical Specialist, Biotechnology | $75,000 | $111,000 | $181,000 |
| Epidemiologist | $68,000 | $97,000 | $139,000 |
| Genetic Counselor | $75,000 | $98,000 | $123,000 |
| Microbiologist | $50,000 | $66,000 | $90,000 |
| Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology | $53,000 | $71,000 | $96,000 |
| Research Scientist, Biotechnology | $64,000 | $111,000 | $171,000 |
| Toxicologist | $64,000 | $112,000 | $177,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Operations Manager | $64,000 | $111,000 | $166,000 |
| Family Physician / Doctor | $115,000 | $244,000 | $359,000 |
| Hospital Administrator | $73,000 | $121,000 | $198,000 |
| Medical Director, Medicine | $209,000 | $373,000 | $543,000 |
| Medical Director, Utilization Review (UR) | $209,000 | $373,000 | $543,000 |
| Nurse Case Manager | $81,000 | $100,000 | $119,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $110,000 | $139,000 | $181,000 |
| Physician / Doctor, General Practice | $115,000 | $244,000 | $359,000 |
| Physician / Doctor, Internal Medicine | $142,000 | $278,000 | $398,000 |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | $100,000 | $133,000 | $180,000 |
| Product Manager, Healthcare | $84,000 | $132,000 | $173,000 |
| Quality Management (QM) Director | $102,000 | $177,000 | $266,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $68,000 | $84,000 | $102,000 |
| Research Analyst, Healthcare | $44,000 | $84,000 | $113,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Engineer, Medical Devices | $73,000 | $112,000 | $156,000 |
| Clinical Specialist, Medical Devices | $70,000 | $108,000 | $153,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineer, Medical Devices | $69,000 | $96,000 | $128,000 |
| Medical Device Sales Representative | $57,000 | $98,000 | $153,000 |
| Product Manager, Medical Devices | $105,000 | $125,000 | $156,000 |
| Quality Engineer, Medical Devices | $76,000 | $103,000 | $130,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Coordinator | $53,000 | $81,000 | $124,000 |
| Clinical Manager | $80,000 | $115,000 | $159,000 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) | $58,000 | $76,000 | $98,000 |
| Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals | $119,000 | $186,000 | $274,000 |
| Medical Director, Medicine | $209,000 | $373,000 | $543,000 |
| Medical Science Liaison | $121,000 | $203,000 | $258,000 |
| Project Manager, Pharmaceuticals | $81,000 | $121,000 | $173,000 |
| Research Scientist | $70,000 | $106,000 | $155,000 |
| Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals | $70,000 | $116,000 | $151,000 |
Surf Search’s 2026 guide publishes these median annual salary figures for Philadelphia: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO): $267,000; Quality Management (QM) Director: $177,000; Medical Device Sales Representative: $98,000; Quality Engineer, Medical Devices: $103,000; Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals: $186,000; Medical Science Liaison: $203,000; Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals: $116,000. 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.
© surfsearch.org All rights reserved. Recruitment Site Design by Talent Hero Media | Privacy Policy | Find us on RecruiterRank
