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Biotech Research Scientist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Biotech Research Scientist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Biotech Research Scientist I in the United States is $106,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

However, a Biotech Research Scientist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $131,991
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,900 to $119,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,075

Key Factors That Influence Biotech Research Scientist I Salaries

A Biotech Research Scientist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Biotech Research Scientist Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $134,000
  • San Francisco: $132,500
  • Oakland: $129,700

What Skills Can Increase a Biotech Research Scientist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 13.75% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Data Analysis (Mentioned in 3.11% Job Postings): Data analysis is a process of inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making. Data analysis has multiple facets and approaches, encompassing diverse techniques under a variety of names, and is used in different business, science, and social science domains. In today's business world, data analysis plays a role in making decisions more scientific and helping businesses operate more effectively. Data mining is a particular data analysis technique that focuses on modeling and knowledge discovery for predictive rather than purely descriptive purposes, while business intelligence covers data analysis that relies heavily on aggregation, focusing mainly on business information. In statistical applications, data analysis can be divided into descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis (EDA), and confirmatory data analysis (CDA). EDA focuses on discovering new features in the data while CDA focuses on confirming or falsifying existing hypotheses. Predictive analytics focuses on application of statistical models for predictive forecasting or classification, while text analytics applies statistical, linguistic, and structural techniques to extract and classify information from textual sources, a species of unstructured data. All of the above are varieties of data analysis.
  • Oncology (Mentioned in 2.2% Job Postings): Designing, constructing, and repairing dental prosthetics and restorative and orthodontic devices to help patients correct dental conditions.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 13.75%
Data Analysis 3.11%
Oncology 2.2%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Biotech Research Scientist I's salary.

  • Cell Biology: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Biotechnology: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Cell Biology $113,634
7%
Biotechnology $113,634
7%
Machine Learning $112,572
6%

Biotech Research Scientist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Biotech Research Scientist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,302. While startup companies pay approximate $100,242.

Biotech Research Scientist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $100,242
Growth Stage 51~500 $105,967
Established 501~5000 $114,281
Enterprise 5000+ $118,302

Biotech Research Scientist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Biotech Research Scientist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Biotech Research Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Biotech Research Scientist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Biotech Research Scientist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$127,440$61.020%
Energy & Utilities$122,130$59.015%
Chemicals$116,820$56.010%
Healthcare$111,510$54.05%

How Education impacts a Biotech Research Scientist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Biotech Research Scientist Is enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Biotech Research Scientist I with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $108,793 and $115,337).

Biotech Research Scientist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Biotech Research Scientist I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 0.2%
Associates 0.6%
Bachelors 20.9%
Masters 16.0%
Doctorate 62.4%

Biotech Research Scientist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Biotech Research Scientist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$100,900
Average $106,200/year
$119,700
$8,408
Average $8,850/month
$9,975
$1,940
Average $2,042/week
$2,302
$49
Average $51/hour
$58
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $119,700 $9,975 $2,302 $58
Average $106,200 $8,850 $2,042 $51
25th Percentile $100,900 $8,408 $1,940 $49

Biotech Research Scientist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Biotech Research Scientist I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Biotech Research Scientist I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Pharmacokineticist II $90,000 -15%
Bioinformatician II $82,200 -23%
Biochemist $77,701 -27%
Biophysics Scientist $77,501 -27%

Most common benefits for Biotech Research Scientist I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Biotech Research Scientist I

Here are companies hiring for Biotech Research Scientist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Biotech Research Scientist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Biotech Research Scientist I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Biotech Research Scientist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paying job in biotech?

The highest paying job in biotech is often the Biotech Research Scientist, with salaries ranging from $101,200 to $124,000. This role typically offers a mid-salary of $111,400, making it a lucrative option within the industry. Other high-paying positions include Biomedical Engineer, Process Engineer, and Regulatory Affairs Manager.

3. What is the salary of biotech in USA?

The salary for a Biotech Research Scientist in the USA ranges from $101,200 to $124,000, with a mid-salary of $111,400. This reflects the competitive nature of the biotechnology field, where salaries can vary based on experience and specific roles within the industry.

4. How much does a research scientist with a PhD make?

A Biotech Research Scientist with a PhD typically earns between $101,200 and $124,000 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $111,400. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.

5. What biology degree makes the most money?

A degree in biotechnology or a related field can lead to lucrative positions, such as a Biotech Research Scientist. The salary for this role typically ranges from a minimum of $101,200 to a mid-level salary of $111,400, with the potential to earn up to $124,000. This makes it one of the higher-paying options for biology graduates.

6. How much can you make with a masters in Biotechnology in the US?

After completing an MS in Biotechnology in the USA, you can expect to earn between $101,200 and $124,000 per year as a Biotech Research Scientist. Your exact salary will depend on factors such as job role, work experience, university attended, specialization, and employer.

7. What is the highest salary for a PHD in biotechnology?

The highest salary for a PhD in biotechnology, specifically for a Biotech Research Scientist, ranges from $101,200 to $124,000 per year. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, with mid-level positions earning around $111,400 annually. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific roles within the industry.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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