As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Biologist IV in the United States is $120,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Research Biologist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Biologist IV's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Biologist IV's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Biologist | 0-2 years | $57,840 |
| Intermediate Biologist | 2-4 years | $66,838 |
| Senior Biologist | 4-7 years | $83,428 |
| Research Biologist IV | 7+ years | $120,870 |
| Expert Biologist | 7-10 years | $137,002 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Research Biologist IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 14.51% |
| Immunology | 3.43% |
| SOP | 2.01% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$157,157 |
30%
|
|
Commitment
|
$157,157 |
30%
|
|
Oncology
|
$153,530 |
27%
|
|
Environmental Consulting
|
$151,113 |
25%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$151,113 |
25%
|
|
Cell Culture
|
$151,113 |
25%
|
Research Biologist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $135,294. While startup companies pay approximate $114,641.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $114,641 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $121,193 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $130,700 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $135,294 |
For Research Biologist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Research Biologist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Biologist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $151,112 | $73.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $145,068 | $70.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $139,024 | $67.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $132,979 | $64.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $130,561 | $63.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Research Biologist IV'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research Biologist IV, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Expert Biologist | $137,100 | 13% |
| Expert Geologist | $131,100 | 8% |
| Chief Geophysicist | $192,100 | 59% |
| Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $133,900 | 11% |
Salaries for a Research Biologist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,117 in 2023 to around $101,658 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Biologist IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $104,117 |
| 2024 | $102,351 |
| 2025 | $101,658 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Biologist IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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