Scientist III - Biotech Salary in the United States

How much does a Scientist III - Biotech make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist III - Biotech in the United States is $143,889 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.

However, a Scientist III - Biotech's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $176,258
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $133,062 to $160,832
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $123,205

Key Factors That Influence Scientist III - Biotech Salaries

A Scientist III - Biotech'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Scientist III - Biotech Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Scientist III - Biotech'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:

  • Scientist I - Biotech (0-2 years): $106,169
  • Scientist II - Biotech (2-4 years): $127,096
  • Scientist III - Biotech (4-7 years): $143,889
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Scientist I - Biotech0-2 years$106,169
Scientist II - Biotech2-4 years$127,096
Scientist III - Biotech4-7 years$143,889

Top Paying Cities for Scientist III - Biotech

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: $181,487
  • San Francisco: $179,500
  • Oakland: $175,717

What Skills Can Increase a Scientist III - Biotech's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 11.04% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Immunology (Mentioned in 3.3% Job Postings): Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences. The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defence.
  • Drug Discovery (Mentioned in 1.94% Job Postings): The process of identifying chemical entities that have the potential to become therapeutic agents. Recognition of new molecular entities that may be of value in the treatment of diseases that qualify as presenting unmet medical needs.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 11.04%
Immunology 3.3%
Drug Discovery 1.94%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Scientist III - Biotech's salary.

  • Oncology: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Immunology: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Drug Discovery: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Oncology $152,522
6%
Immunology $151,083
5%
Drug Discovery $151,083
5%

Scientist III - Biotech Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Scientist III - Biotech salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $160,462. While startup companies pay approximate $135,918.

Scientist III - Biotech Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $135,918
Growth Stage 51~500 $143,702
Established 501~5000 $154,994
Enterprise 5000+ $160,462

Scientist III - Biotech Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Scientist III - Biotech 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 Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Scientist III - Biotech positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Scientist III - Biotech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Scientist III - Biotech

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$215,834$104.050%
Energy & Utilities$187,056$90.030%
Biotechnology$172,667$83.020%

How Education impacts an Scientist III - Biotech's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Scientist III - Biotech enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Scientist III - Biotech with a Bachelor's Degree is between $0 and $0.

Scientist III - Biotech Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Scientist III - Biotech
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 0.2%
Associates 0.2%
Bachelors 6.6%
Masters 8.6%
Doctorate 84.4%

Scientist III - Biotech Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Scientist III - Biotech'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 August 01, 2026
$133,062
Average $143,889/year
$160,832
$11,089
Average $11,991/month
$13,403
$2,559
Average $2,767/week
$3,093
$64
Average $69/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $160,832 $13,403 $3,093 $77
Average $143,889 $11,991 $2,767 $69
25th Percentile $133,062 $11,089 $2,559 $64

Scientist III - Biotech Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Scientist III - Biotech, 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.

Scientist III - Biotech Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Pharmacokinetics Scientist IV $133,743 -7%
Bioinformatics Analyst IV $128,194 -11%
Biopharma Process Development Scientist IV $118,792 -17%
Food Scientist IV $128,783 -10%

Most common benefits for Scientist III - Biotech

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

Common company salaries for Scientist III - Biotech

Here are companies hiring for Scientist III - Biotech and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Scientist III - Biotech

1. Where can a Scientist III - Biotech earn the most?

A Scientist III - Biotech'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 Scientist III - Biotech earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Scientist III - Biotech is $181,487.

2. What is the highest pay for Scientist III - Biotech?

The highest pay for Scientist III - Biotech is $176,258.

3. What is the lowest pay for Scientist III - Biotech?

The lowest pay for Scientist III - Biotech is $123,205.

4. What are the responsibilities of Scientist III - Biotech?

Develop and conduct basic and applied research projects. Utilize advanced technologies to study biological, molecular and chemical processes. Synthesize and analyze DNA, proteins and other molecules to develop new drugs, medical protocols, and products. Prepare technical papers and reports on findings. Requires a PhD in their field of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Scientist III - Biotech?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Scientist III - Biotech roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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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