As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Molecular Biologist V in the United States is $146,003 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.
However, a Molecular Biologist V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Molecular Biologist V'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 V'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 V | $142,407 |
| Intermediate Level Molecular Biologist V | $143,073 |
| Senior Level Molecular Biologist V | $143,339 |
| Specialist Level Molecular Biologist V | $144,671 |
| Expert Level Molecular Biologist V | $145,737 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Molecular Biologist V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $164,180. While startup companies pay approximate $139,170.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $139,170 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $147,102 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $158,632 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $164,180 |
For Molecular Biologist V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (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 MFG Nondurable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Molecular Biologist V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $175,204 | $84.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $163,523 | $79.0 | 12% |
| Healthcare | $160,603 | $77.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $153,303 | $74.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Molecular Biologist V'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 V, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist Manager | $139,729 | -4% |
| Molecular Biology Senior Manager | $144,070 | -1% |
| Physicist VI | $186,398 | 28% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Molecular Biologist V and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Molecular Biologist V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Molecular Biologist V is $184,154.
The highest pay for Molecular Biologist V is $179,564.
The lowest pay for Molecular Biologist V is $128,954.
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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Molecular Biologist V roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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.)
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