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Principal Scientist salary in Malaysia

Average Yearly Salary of Principal Scientist in Malaysia is approximately 221,600 MYR (44,351 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Principal Scientist do?

occupation personasThe occupation of a principal scientist is a highly specialized and senior-level position within the scientific field. Principal scientists are responsible for leading and managing research projects, developing innovative scientific strategies, and providing technical expertise to solve complex problems. They are often involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Principal scientists also play a crucial role in mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders.

Skills: Principal Scientist, Research Projects, Scientific Strategies, Technical Expertise, Data Analysis, Problem Solving
Job industry: Research and development


How much does Principal Scientist make?

Salary details
How much does Principal Scientist make?
Estimated Yearly Salary: 221,600 MYR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,467 MYR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,262 MYR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 107 MYR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 214,150 MYR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,846 MYR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,118 MYR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 103 MYR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05



Principal Scientist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 44,351 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,696 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 853 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 21 USD per hour


Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately up arrow 3 %

About these results Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.

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Salary comparison to National average

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It has a diverse population consisting of various ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous tribes. Malaysia has an estimated population of around 32 million people. The country covers an area of approximately 330,803 square kilometers, making it the 66th largest country in the world.

Estimated national average yearly salary is 78,260 MYR (17,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Scientist job salary compared to average salary in Malaysia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in Malaysia earns on average:
2.83 times the average salary (or 283% of average salary).

Is Principal Scientist a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Principal Scientist is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Principal Scientist?

High salary for Principal Scientist would be somewhere between 243,760 MYR and 321,320 MYR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Principal Scientist in Malaysia?

Living in Malaysia the approximate monthly expenses are: 711 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 221,600 MYR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,467 MYR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,262 MYR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 107 MYR per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 2,985 USD per month or 35,817 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in Malaysia, see costs of living in Malaysia.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Philippines.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Scientist

Thailand is 18,000 USDdown arrow 59%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Thailand
Indonesia is 26,454 USDdown arrow 40%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Indonesia
Singapore is 167,316 USDup arrow 277%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Singapore
Brunei is 78,035 USDup arrow 76%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Brunei
Vietnam is 9,968 USDdown arrow 78%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Vietnam
Philippines is 9,862 USDdown arrow 78%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Philippines
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

    0 years (beginner) equals base salary
    1 to 5 years of experience yields up arrow+12% salary increase
    6 to 10 years of experience yields up arrow+25% salary increase
    11 to 15 years of experience yields up arrow+16% salary increase
    16 to 25 years of experience yields up arrow+9% salary increase
    more than 25 years of experience yields up arrow+10% salary increase
NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in Malaysia

(927,752 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(770,656 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(748,723 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(724,417 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(722,312 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(706,560 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(706,212 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(704,735 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(704,523 MYR per year, pre-tax.)
(703,305 MYR per year, pre-tax.)

Data as of 2025

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