As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Research Biologist in the US is $56,141, equivalent to $27 per hour, $1,080 weekly, or $4,678 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Research Biologist in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Research Biologist in the US vary widely, spanning from $44,212 to $65,821. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($49,897) and 75th percentile ($61,208), while top earners (90th percentile) make $65,821 per year. This $11,311 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Microbiology, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Research Biologist often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 64 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
Research Biologist Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $44,212 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $49,897 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $56,141 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $61,208 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $65,821 US January 01, 2026
25% $49,897 10% $44,212 90% $65,821 75% $61,208 $56,141 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a Research Biologist ?

A biologist is a scientist who has specialized knowledge in the field of biology, the scientific study of life. Biologists involved in fundamental research attempt to explore and further explain the underlying mechanisms that govern the functioning of living matter. Biologists involved in applied research attempt to develop or improve more specific processes and understanding, in fields such as medicine and industry. Biologists are interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms that govern the functioning of living matter as well as the complex properties that emerge from the biophysic...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Job Openings for Research Biologist

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Research Biologist

    0 - 2 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Biologist II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Research Biologist, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
49897
61208
56141

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
53072
66784
59472
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Research Biologist in the United States. The base salary for Research Biologist ranges from $49,897 to $61,208 with the average base salary of $56,141. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $53,072 to $66,784 with the average total cash compensation of $59,472.
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49897
61208

 

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