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Biotechnologist Salary in USA 2024: Top Jobs & Companies to Work At

Updated on 17 February, 2024

Urvi Agrawal

Urvi Agrawal

Biotechnologist Salary in USA 2024: Top Jobs & Companies to Work At

Biotechnology offers exciting opportunities to aspirants who wish to improve human lives with cutting-edge products. The biotechnology industry in the US is booming and generated around  $193.1 billion in 2023, as per IBIS World. Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 5% increase in jobs in this sector over the next decade. So, if you are thinking of entering this exciting field, know about biotechnologist salaries in the USA here. 

How to Become Biotechnologist in USA: Step-By-Step Process 

If you are aspiring to become a biotechnologist, there are several steps you must take: 

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree:

The first step towards a career in biotechnology is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology or any related field like natural resources or physical science. It is important to look for courses that have laboratory work as part of the curriculum. This can prepare you for various biotechnology positions that need bench experience. The bachelor’s degree in biotechnology in the US is usually 3-4 years. 

Consider Internships: 

Though this is an optional step, you can consider applying for internships at university laboratories or leading organizations in the field of biotechnology or pharmaceutical sciences. This will not only help strengthen your resume but also expose you to the different work settings you can expect as a biotechnologist. Additionally, it will polish your research and technical skills. 

Pursue Advanced Education:

You can also pursue further education and obtain a master’s degree in biotechnology. This will not only open you to more opportunities but also give you a chance to obtain specialized knowledge in the field. Most US universities have mandatory co-op opportunities or internships during master’s programs. Thus, enabling you to nurture professional networks and gain an in-depth understanding of the industry. If you are thinking about entering academia, then a PhD is essential and can help you embark on a scientific career at university. 

Gain Experience for Career Growth: 

Biotechnologists may progress to scientific positions in the biotechnology industry after earning some experience, such as chief scientific officer or senior research associate. They can also advance after earning master’s or PhD degrees. Some may also consider careers like natural sciences managers.

Recommended Read: Best Countries to Study Biotechnology

Top Universities for Biotechnology in USA

Here are some of the leading universities to study biotechnology in the USA:

University Name

World Rank 2023 

Courses

Harvard University

1

MS/MBA Biotechnology- Life Sciences

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2

Bsc in Biology and Chemistry

 

Stanford University

3

MS in Bioengineering

University of California San Diego

4

BS in Bioengineering- Biotechnology 

John Hopkins University

7

MS in Biotechnology

University of California Berkeley 

9

Master of Biotechnology 

University of California San Francisco

11

Professional Sciences Master’s Program in Biotechnology(PSM)

University of Pennsylvania

14

Master of Biotechnology

University of Washington Seattle

16

BSc in Biology 

Cornell University

18

BS in Biology

Source: U.S.News & World Report Rankings 2023: Best Global Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology 

Top Biotech Companies in USA

Here are some of the leading biotech companies in the USA for your perusal as per Glassdoor:

  • IQVIA
  • Novartis
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • GSK
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • AstraZeneca
  • Parexel
  • Pfizer
  • Sanofi
  • Bayer
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Roche
  • ICON
  • Baxter
  • Dr. Reddy’s
  • Syneos Health
  • Merck
  • Cipla
  • Agilent Technologies

Biotechnologist Salary in USA

Here is the average biotechnologist salary in the USA across multiple roles:

Job Role

Description

Average Annual Salary 

 

Clinical Technician 

 

  • Working in laboratory settings for collecting and processing medical and research specimens. 
  • Equipment preparation, testing, sterilization, robotic machinery operation, specimen labeling and preparing lab reports. 

 

$42,721

Chemical Operator
  • Maintenance and control of chemical plant machinery/equipment.
  • Weighing, mixing, and sorting chemical ingredients to produce the required chemical reactions. 

$50,145

Biomedical Equipment Technician
  • Supervising and maintaining the operation of various machines and tools.
  • Recording and repairing issues in machinery.
  • Software and hardware updates and maintenance.
  • Emergency repairs

$66,518

Microbiologist
  • Research and study the behavior of microorganisms.
  • Conducting  experiments to develop products and treatments

$78,863

DNA Analyst
  • DNA sample collection and testing to obtain genetic information. 
  • Helping law enforcement with DNA evidence and suspect identification. 

$67,228

Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
  • Development of compounds, medication, and various products.
  • Following operational guidelines to safely combine chemicals and produce products relevant to consumers. 

$44,896

Scientist
  • Conducting experiments and interpreting data to identify novel findings. 
  • Research and development.

$92,195

Biomedical Engineer
  • Designing biomedical devices, treatments, and tools. 
  • Instructing professionals on how to use biomedical products.

$84,000

Bioprocess Engineer
  • Supervising and optimizing processes for the production of biotechnological products. 
  • Data collection and identifying best practices for generating biological products. 

$94,770

Source: Indeed (As of January 2024)

Now that you have an idea of the average biotechnologist salary in the USA and the varied job roles available,  chart your future course without further delays. Getting admission into a leading university to study biotechnology is the first step towards building a lucrative career in this field in the USA.

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FAQs

How much are biotechnologists paid in the USA?

The average salaries of biotechnologists are approximately $83,040 per year in the USA according to Glassdoor. However, salaries may vary depending on job roles, location,  and experience.

Is biotech a stressful job?

Whether or not the field of biotechnology will be stressful for you depends on your love for the profession,  skill sets, job duties, and schedules. Several positions may require you to adhere to tighter deadlines and other regulations. Hence, there are chances that you may work in high-pressure and demanding environments.

Which country is best for biotechnology jobs?

The US leads other countries in the world when it comes to a strong biotechnology sector. There are 2,800 active biotech companies in the country, providing ample opportunities for aspirants, as per OECD reports.

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Urvi Agrawal

Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.

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