As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Genetic Engineer in California is $122,996, equivalent to $59 per hour, $2,365 weekly, or $10,250 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Genetic Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Genetic Engineer in California vary widely, spanning from $101,531 to $157,340. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($111,761) and 75th percentile ($140,973), while top earners (90th percentile) make $157,340 per year. This $29,212 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, California Genetic Engineer often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 52 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Genetic Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit to offset market challenges.
