By Nicholas George, Patrina Pellett, & Sarah Snyder

You’ve heard the whispers: “MSLs make bank.”

But how much? And more importantly, who’s actually paying top dollar? Thanks to salary transparency laws and fresh analysis from PharmaPayWatch, we finally have the data. Nicholas George, PhD, reviewed 910 MSL job postings from 33 pharma and biotech companies (Feb–Aug 2025). Here’s what he found: the companies paying the most, and what it means for your job search strategy.

MSL Salaries 2025: The Companies Paying the Most

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Salary transparency is now the norm. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of MSL postings included salary ranges, an encouraging shift for candidates looking to benchmark their value.  

- Overall median salary midpoint: $186K  
- Most roles cluster between $175K–$225K  
- Director-level positions commanded a premium, with a median of $219K versus $179K for individual contributor roles 

Top-Paying Companies (Individual Contributor Roles Only)  

For non-management MSL positions, these companies stood out:  

1.  Genentech – $224K median (23 postings)  
2.  Gilead – $219K (4 postings)  
3.  AstraZeneca – $218K (8 postings)  
4.  Vertex – $214K (15 postings)  
5.  GSK – $210K (14 postings)  

Biotech firms like Genentech (Roche) and Vertex showed they can compete toe-to-toe with big pharma on compensation, while maintaining strong hiring activity.  

What This Means for Your MSL Job Search

Salary ≠ Career Fit

Yes, the salary looks great. But it comes with long days, plenty of travel, late-night and early mornings. The pay is strong because the job is high-stakes and high-output. If you’re chasing this role, go in with your eyes open: it’s rewarding, but it’s not an easy paycheck.

Read why MSLs get paid so much here. 

Base Isn’t the Whole Story

It’s great to see companies paying well. But base salary is just one part of the package. Most MSL roles include bonuses, equity, car allowances, and top-tier benefits. Some even come with perks like travel points, wellness stipends, or professional development budgets.

When you’re comparing offers, look at the total compensation, not just the number on the job posting.

Other Perks That Matter

Some of the best benefits don’t show up in the job posting:

• Professional development budgets
• Travel points and miles
• Wellness stipends
• Extra PTO or sabbatical options

The full package is what counts.

Follow the Hiring Trends

Salary ranges are one piece of the puzzle. Volume is another. Genentech had 23 postings. Vertex had 15. Indicating that they are growing large teams. And when a company is scaling its field medical team, it often means:

• More chances for aspiring MSLs to get a foot in the door
• Faster advancement for those already in the role

If you’re aiming to break in, pay attention to who’s hiring in volume, not just who’s paying at the top. Get more tips on how to become an MSL here. 

Final Word: MSL Salaries 2025 & The Companies Paying the Most

MSL compensation is strong across the board and thanks to Nick’s analysis we know the companies that are paying the most. But don’t mistake a big paycheck for an easy job. The best-paying roles come with long days, heavy travel, and constant demands. 

For aspiring MSLs, here’s the real takeaway: use the data to be strategic. Target companies that are hiring in volume, not just paying at the top, and step into the role with a clear understanding of the lifestyle you’re signing up for.

MSL salaries are great. The difference-maker is whether you’re ready for the work behind the paycheck.

About Nick

Nicholas George, PhD, is the founder of RxDataLab and PharmaPayWatch.com, where he analyzes pharmaceutical and biotech industry data to uncover trends in compensation, hiring, and corporate strategy.

Follow him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasmgeorge/