As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Molecular Biologist I in Montana is $59,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Molecular Biologist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Molecular Biologist I'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 Molecular Biologist I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Molecular Biologist I | $59,434 |
| Intermediate Level Molecular Biologist I | $60,211 |
| Senior Level Molecular Biologist I | $62,540 |
| Specialist Level Molecular Biologist I | $63,006 |
| Expert Level Molecular Biologist I | $63,317 |
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 Molecular Biologist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Molecular Biologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,358. While startup companies pay approximate $57,097.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,097 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,351 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,082 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $67,358 |
For Molecular Biologist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Molecular Biologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Molecular Biologist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $71,880 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $68,885 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $65,890 | $32.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $62,895 | $30.0 | 5% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $62,895 | $30.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Molecular Biologist 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Molecular Biologist 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Agronomist | $63,576 | 6% |
| Biologist II | $63,100 | 5% |
| Geologist II | $65,008 | 9% |
| Geophysicist II | $98,590 | 65% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Molecular Biologist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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