As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Molecular Biologist IV in the United States is $116,132 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Molecular Biologist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
AI-Powered HR
A Molecular 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 Molecular 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Molecular Biologist IV | $111,024 |
| Intermediate Level Molecular Biologist IV | $111,875 |
| Senior Level Molecular Biologist IV | $113,237 |
| Specialist Level Molecular Biologist IV | $114,940 |
| Expert Level Molecular Biologist IV | $117,397 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Molecular Biologist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $130,590. While startup companies pay approximate $110,697.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $110,697 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $117,006 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $126,177 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $130,590 |
For Molecular 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 Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Molecular Biologist positions in MFG Nondurable or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Molecular Biologist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $162,585 | $78.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $150,972 | $73.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $139,358 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $127,745 | $61.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Molecular 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Molecular 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biologist V | $137,003 | 18% |
| Geologist V | $131,111 | 13% |
| Geophysicist V | $192,085 | 65% |
| Microbiologist V | $133,868 | 15% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Molecular Biologist IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Molecular Biologist IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Molecular Biologist IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Molecular Biologist IV is $146,477.
The highest pay for Molecular Biologist IV is $132,325.
The lowest pay for Molecular Biologist IV is $94,338.
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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Molecular Biologist IV roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
