As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Genetic Engineer in the US is $111,554, equivalent to $54 per hour, $2,145 weekly, or $9,296 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Genetic Engineer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Genetic Engineer in the US vary widely, spanning from $92,319 to $142,793. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($101,486) and 75th percentile ($127,905), while top earners (90th percentile) make $142,793 per year. This $26,419 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Case Management, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Genetic Engineer often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 52 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Genetic Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Genetic Engineer Salary $92,319 US May 01, 2026
25th Percentile Genetic Engineer Salary $101,486 US May 01, 2026
50th Percentile Genetic Engineer Salary $111,554 US May 01, 2026
75th Percentile Genetic Engineer Salary $127,905 US May 01, 2026
90th Percentile Genetic Engineer Salary $142,793 US May 01, 2026
25% $101,486 10% $92,319 90% $142,793 75% $127,905 $111,554 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Genetic Engineer jobs in Columbus, Ohio

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What is a Genetic Engineer ?

Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification or genetic manipulation, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesising the DNA. A construct is usually created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinant DNA mole...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/25/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Job Openings for Genetic Engineer

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Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
101486
127905
111554

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
95599
114623
104034
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Genetic Engineer in the United States. The base salary for Genetic Engineer ranges from $101,486 to $127,905 with the average base salary of $111,554. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $95,599 to $114,623 with the average total cash compensation of $104,034.

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101486
127905

 

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