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Molecular Biologist III Salary in the United States

How much does a Molecular Biologist III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Molecular Biologist III in the United States is $95,663 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.

However, a Molecular Biologist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $111,577
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $89,065 to $103,993
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $83,058
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Molecular Biologist III Salaries

A Molecular Biologist III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Molecular Biologist III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Molecular Biologist III'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $92,709
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $93,201
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $94,186
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $97,155
  • Expert (over 8 years): $100,014
Levels Salary
Entry Level Molecular Biologist III$92,709
Intermediate Level Molecular Biologist III$93,201
Senior Level Molecular Biologist III$94,186
Specialist Level Molecular Biologist III$97,155
Expert Level Molecular Biologist III$100,014
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How Do Molecular Biologist III Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $105,918.
  • California: $105,516.
  • Massachusetts: $104,110.

Top Paying Cities for Molecular Biologist IIIs

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: $120,660
  • San Francisco: $119,339
  • Oakland: $116,824

Molecular Biologist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Molecular Biologist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $107,498. While startup companies pay approximate $91,136.

Molecular Biologist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $91,136
Growth Stage 51~500 $96,328
Established 501~5000 $103,856
Enterprise 5000+ $107,498

Molecular Biologist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Molecular Biologist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 70% above the average. In contrast, Molecular Biologist positions in MFG Nondurable or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Molecular Biologist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Molecular Biologist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$162,627$78.070%
Healthcare$133,928$64.040%
Biotechnology$114,796$55.020%
Energy & Utilities$105,229$51.010%

Molecular Biologist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Molecular Biologist III'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
$89,065
Average $95,663/year
$103,993
$7,422
Average $7,972/month
$8,666
$1,713
Average $1,840/week
$2,000
$43
Average $46/hour
$50
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $103,993 $8,666 $2,000 $50
Average $95,663 $7,972 $1,840 $46
25th Percentile $89,065 $7,422 $1,713 $43

Molecular Biologist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Molecular Biologist III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Molecular Biologist III, 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
Biologist IV $120,886 26%
Geologist IV $109,123 14%
Geophysicist IV $156,295 63%
Hydrologist IV $143,029 50%

Most common benefits for Molecular Biologist III

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

Common company salaries for Molecular Biologist III

Here are companies hiring for Molecular Biologist III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Molecular Biologist III

1. Where can a Molecular Biologist III earn the most?

A Molecular Biologist III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Molecular Biologist III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Molecular Biologist III is $120,660.

2. What is the highest pay for Molecular Biologist III?

The highest pay for Molecular Biologist III is $111,577.

3. What is the lowest pay for Molecular Biologist III?

The lowest pay for Molecular Biologist III is $83,058.

4. What are the responsibilities of Molecular Biologist III?

Analyzes how molecules function within cells to understand disease mechanisms and develop treatments in support of advancements in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. Performs techniques such as gel electrophoresis, cloning, and microscopy to analyze genetic material. Interprets complex experimental data, often using bioinformatics tools, to identify patterns. Maintains meticulous records and reports, ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of findings. May require an advanced degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Molecular Biologist III?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Molecular Biologist III roles, with salaries approximately 70% above the market median.

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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