What Is the Salary Range of a Molecular Biologist?
A molecular biologist studies the molecular make-up of acquired, inherited, and infectious diseases. She researches, evaluates and implements research and development practices as well as methods of collection, transport and storage of potential hazardous material. Her research and development findings are used to aid diagnosis and recognition of disease, thus contributing to the evolution of treatments. A laboratory-based research scientist, her salary is commensurate with professions across the biological science field, although may vary according to her employment circumstances.
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Average Salary
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In May 2009 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collected and synthesized salary data from some 29,630 individuals working as biological scientists, including molecular biologists. It concluded that the mean yearly salary for the profession was $69,430. This translates into a monthly salary of $5,786 and an average hourly pay rate of $33.38. The median 50 percent of earners achieved $66,510, the top 10 percent received $100,580 and the lowest 10 percent earned $36,750. A molecular biologist may also receive augmentative benefits, like pension provision and bonus, according to the terms of his employment contract.
Salary by Employer
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Molecular biologists are employed in both the public and private sectors of the healthcare industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports variations in salary levels available to biological scientists depending on the nature of their employers. It lists the offices of physicians as offering some of the best average pay levels -- $93,710 -- with medical and diagnostic laboratories offering a mean salary of $82,900. Medical equipment and supplies manufacturers are not far behind, listed at $77,620, while scientific research and development services have an average of $75,080. Positions within the federal executive branch offer a pay level of $73,030 while biologists conducting research or teaching in colleges, universities or professional schools receive an average of $53,990.
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Salary by Location
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Employment in different parts of the country can also determine the salary level achieved by a molecular biologist working in the United States. According to the May 2009 data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the District of Columbia and Maryland offer the highest wages on the state level -- $104,350 and $91,000, respectively. Virginia -- $86,950 -- New Jersey -- $79,270 -- and Illinois -- $76,350 - round out the top five. In comparison, Montana is listed with an average yearly salary of $56,120. On a metropolitan level, Salinas, California, tops the list at $111,440, followed by the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including Arlington and Alexandria, listed at $103,520.
Prospects
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While the national growth rate for all professions in the United States is expected to be between 7 and 13 percent through 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster growth for those working in the biological sciences -- possibly as high as 21 percent. The growth of the biotechnology industry as well as large budgetary increases at the National Institutes of Health are cited as primary motivators for this increase in employment opportunities. Molecular biologists should, therefore, continue to achieve excellent salary levels.
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References
- Photo Credit molecules of the chemical formula image by Oleg Verbitsky from Fotolia.com
