Biotechnologist Salary in USA 2024: Top Jobs & Companies to Work At

In 2025, a biotechnology graduate, on average, in the USA can expect a salary ranging between $72,614 and $111,302 per year. Biotechnology is a diverse and interesting field, and a biotechnologist is a professional who uses biological systems and innovative technology to present pioneering results. 

Aspirants in biotechnology can craft their dream careers in this field to secure varied job opportunities by planning their higher education abroad, including the USA.

The biotechnology industry in the US has experienced rapid growth in recent years in its all-encompassing applications spanning across healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture fields. 

As per reports, the biotechnology industry’s revenue has grown steadily by about 6.6% each year over the last five years, reaching an estimated $226.6 billion, which is further expected to grow by another 2.1% in 2025. In this blog, let’s explore the Biotechnologist Salary in the USA and other details.

What Is the Biotechnologist Salary in the USA?

A biotechnologist in the USA can earn a salary ranging between $72,614 and $111,302 per year. As the US market is highly competitive, the salary or the compensation package earned by these professionals is equally competitive. 

This is especially due to the huge demand for innovative products and the need for advanced technology across fields like healthcare, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. The average biotechnologist salary in the USA varies depending on factors like experience, educational qualifications, industry, location, and a lot of other factors.  Let’s explore them here.

Biotechnologist Salary in USA by Location

Salaries for biotechnologists vary significantly by region, with major biotech hubs offering the highest pay than the national average due to varied industry presence and high cost of living.

Here’s the location-wise salary of a biotechnologist in the USA in 2025:

Source: ZipRecruiter

Highest-Paying Biotechnologist Salary in USA by Job Role

Some specialized roles in biotechnology offer significantly higher pay depending on experience and location. Here are some role-based salaries of biotechnologists in the USA:

Source: Indeed

Average Biotechnologist Salary in USA Based on Skills

Skills possessed by biotechnologists determine the salary of these professionals in the USA, as depicted in the table below:  

Source: Payscale

Note: The amount mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Also read: BSc in Biotechnology Fees, Eligibility, Universities, Jobs Abroad

Factors Affecting Biotechnologist Salary in the USA

From educational qualifications to industry demand, many factors influence a biotechnologist's salary in the USA. Having a good understanding of these factors helps professionals make informed career decisions to maximize their earning potential.

Below are some key factors affecting biotechnologists' salaries in the USA:

Experience of the candidate

Experience is a key determinant of a biotechnologist's earning potential in the USA. Most entry-level biotech professionals can start a job with a salary of over $50,000 to $70,000, which increases within 2-3 years, and by the time they gain 7-8 years of experience, these experts can earn up to an annual salary of $150,000. 

Qualification

Education does affect the salary of a biotechnologist in the USA. With higher educational qualifications, professionals can expect higher pay. Hence, graduates with a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology at the entry-level can earn a salary of around $50,000 – $70,000 per year, and those with advanced degrees like an MSc or PhD can earn significantly more. 

Industry sector 

The pharma and biotech sectors are some of the key sectors that typically pay more than others. Also, fields like academia or public research are better-paying areas than many other fields. 

Specialized Skills

Candidates with expertise in specialized fields like CRISPR, bioinformatics, or regulatory affairs boost higher earnings compared to others. Certifications in emerging technologies in the field of biotechnology can also help in improving the salary bracket of biotech professionals.

Location

The city or location you are working in has a role to play in the salary earned by biotechnologists in the USA. Biotech hubs like Boston, San Francisco, and San Diego are some of the popular cities that pay higher salaries to biotech professionals.  

Career Path for a Biotechnologist in the USA

Biotechnology is a field that presents wide-ranging career opportunities for professionals. You can pursue career paths such as research scientist, research assistant, lab technician, biomedical engineer, biochemist, or microbiologist. 

Besides these roles, which involve laboratory work, research, and development, biotechnologists can seek career progression in roles like project manager, lead scientist, R&D director, or regulatory affairs manager. 

Overall, the prospects for biotechnologists in the USA seem bright with continuous job growth and advances in technology like genetic engineering, AI in biotech, and sustainable agriculture. 

As per reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is steady growth in biomedical research, drug development, and biomanufacturing-related roles in the US, paving the way for high-paying career paths for aspirants.

Also read: MS in Biotechnology Abroad – Top Universities, Jobs & More

Conclusion

Biotechnology is a rewarding field with ample prospects for growth and innovation, which is reflected in the high salaries earned by these professionals. Aspirants willing to take up biotechnology as a career in the US can seek guidance from upGrad experts. Our study abroad team of experts offers complete supervision to pursue biotechnology courses abroad and the way forward for a prosperous career.  

With upGrad, you can avail of a range of study abroad consultant services that include personalized university selection guidance, visa assistance, and pre-departure support. We also support students with study materials for exam preparations to secure seats in top universities and other study abroad essentials like SOPs, LORs, and scholarship opportunities.