As of July 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Research Biologist in California is $61,907, equivalent to $30 per hour, $1,191 weekly, or $5,159 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Research Biologist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Research Biologist in California vary widely, spanning from $48,795 to $72,575. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($55,044) and 75th percentile ($67,491), while top earners (90th percentile) make $72,575 per year. This $12,447 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, California Research Biologist often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 64 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Research Biologist job salary. 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 $48,795 CA July 01, 2026
25th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $55,044 CA July 01, 2026
50th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $61,907 CA July 01, 2026
75th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $67,491 CA July 01, 2026
90th Percentile Research Biologist Salary $72,575 CA July 01, 2026
25% $55,044 10% $48,795 90% $72,575 75% $67,491 $61,907 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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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Coachella, CA Avg. Salary $76,757 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Acampo, CA Avg. Salary $81,601 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Acton, CA Avg. Salary $81,816 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Adelanto, CA Avg. Salary $79,233 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Adin, CA Avg. Salary $77,413 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Agoura Hills, CA Avg. Salary $81,608 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Aguanga, CA Avg. Salary $78,585 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Ahwahnee, CA Avg. Salary $76,952 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Alameda, CA Avg. Salary $92,943 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Location Alamo, CA Avg. Salary $90,382 Date Updated July 01, 2026
Job Openings for Research Biologist in California

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Research Biologist

    0 - 2 years experience
    JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

  2. Up a level:

    Biologist II

    2 - 4 years experience
    JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

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