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Molecular Biologist IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Molecular Biologist IV in the United States is $116,106 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $137,604
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $106,829 to $127,359
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,383
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Molecular Biologist IV Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Molecular Biologist IV Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $111,952
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $112,644
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $113,752
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $115,137
  • Expert (over 8 years): $117,786
Levels Salary
Entry Level Molecular Biologist IV$111,952
Intermediate Level Molecular Biologist IV$112,644
Senior Level Molecular Biologist IV$113,752
Specialist Level Molecular Biologist IV$115,137
Expert Level Molecular Biologist IV$117,786
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How Do Molecular Biologist IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $128,553.
  • California: $128,065.
  • Massachusetts: $126,358.

Top Paying Cities for Molecular Biologist IVs

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: $146,444
  • San Francisco: $144,841
  • Oakland: $141,789

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

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 $130,470. While startup companies pay approximate $110,611.

Molecular Biologist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $110,611
Growth Stage 51~500 $116,913
Established 501~5000 $126,049
Enterprise 5000+ $130,470

Molecular Biologist IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Molecular Biologist IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$162,548$78.040%
Biotechnology$150,938$73.030%
Energy & Utilities$139,327$67.020%
Chemicals$127,717$61.010%

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

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 September 01, 2026
$106,829
Average $116,106/year
$127,359
$8,902
Average $9,676/month
$10,613
$2,054
Average $2,233/week
$2,449
$51
Average $56/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $127,359 $10,613 $2,449 $61
Average $116,106 $9,676 $2,233 $56
25th Percentile $106,829 $8,902 $2,054 $51

Molecular Biologist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Molecular Biologist IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $137,001 18%
Geologist V $131,007 13%
Geophysicist V $192,103 65%
Microbiologist V $133,860 15%

Most common benefits for Molecular Biologist IV

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

Common company salaries for Molecular Biologist IV

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

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FAQ about Molecular Biologist IV

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

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 $146,444.

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

The highest pay for Molecular Biologist IV is $137,604.

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

The lowest pay for Molecular Biologist IV is $98,383.

4. What are the responsibilities of Molecular Biologist IV?

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.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Molecular Biologist IV roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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