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Biologist Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Biologist is responsible for conducting complex experiments in the study of biological ... The expected salary range for this position is $95,000 to $110,000 annually. Actual compensation ...

Lead Biologist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

The Lead Biologist is responsible for conducting complex experiments in the study of biological ... Benefits The expected salary range for this position is $95,000 to $110,000 annually. Actual ...

ECORP Consulting is seeking an Associate Biologist who is ready to take the next step in ... Starting salary is determined by relevant experience, education, certifications/permits, geographic ...

New

Biologist

Bethesda, MD

$56K - $94K/yr

Biologist Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Do ... The annual salary range for this position is $56,000.00-$94,000.00. Compensation decisions depend ...

Biologist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$56K - $94K/yr

Biologist Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Do ... The annual salary range for this position is $56,000.00-$94,000.00. Compensation decisions depend ...

Associate Biologist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is ... Benefits The expected salary range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000 annually. Actual ...

Biologist II

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $113K/yr

Job Summary As a Biologist II, you will be joining a dynamic team providing invaluable support to a ... Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions. Benefits: Live an ...

A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is ... The expected salary range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000 annually. Actual compensation ...

Entry Level Biologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Local candidates only (must live in Orange County) Job Type: Full Time, 100% In-House Salary: $20 ... in Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field  0-1 year of experience in ...

Salary: $64,438 - $101,359. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 ... Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related ...

Entry Level Biologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Local candidates only (must live in Orange County) Job Type: Full Time, 100% In-House Salary: $20 ... in Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field  0-1 year of experience in ...

Biologist

Bethesda, MD

$113K - $188K/yr

Biologist Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Do ... The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend ...

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Biologist Salary information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do biologist salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for biologist salary in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of biologist gets paid the most?

In general, biologists working as biomedical or pharmaceutical researchers tend to earn the highest salaries, especially those with advanced degrees and specialized skills in genetics, molecular biology, or biotechnology. Environmental or conservation biologists typically have lower salaries, often influenced by funding and organization type. Senior roles, such as research directors or industry specialists, also command higher pay within the field.

What is the difference between Biologist Salary vs Marine Biologist Salary?

AspectBiologist SalaryMarine Biologist Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology or related fieldBachelor's or higher in marine biology or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, fieldworkMarine environments, research vessels, coastal areas
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesMarine research centers, environmental organizations, government agencies

While both roles require a background in biology, marine biologists focus specifically on marine ecosystems and oceanic research, often working in aquatic environments. Biologists have a broader scope, working across various biological fields and environments. Salary differences reflect specialization, with marine biologists typically earning slightly higher due to niche expertise and fieldwork demands.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for biologists within research institutions or private industry?

Biologists often start in entry-level research or laboratory technician roles and can advance to positions such as senior researcher, project manager, or laboratory director as they gain experience. Many biologists also transition into specialized fields like molecular biology, ecology, or environmental consulting. Advancement typically depends on additional education, published research, and demonstrated leadership skills. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and ongoing professional development are key to moving into higher-level roles or management within both research institutions and private industry.

What professions make $500,000 a year?

In the field of biology, very few roles reach a $500,000 annual salary, typically limited to high-level positions such as senior research directors, biotech executives, or consultants with extensive experience and advanced degrees. These roles often require specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and work in private industry or biotech firms. Most biologists earn significantly less, with salaries increasing with experience, specialization, and industry sector.

Do biologists make good money?

Biologists' salaries vary based on experience, education, and specialization, but the median annual wage in the field is around $63,000. Advanced roles, research positions, or work in industry can offer higher compensation, especially with additional certifications or technical skills. Overall, biologists can earn a competitive salary, though it often depends on the specific job setting and geographic location.

What is the average salary for a biologist?

The average salary for a biologist in the United States varies depending on experience, education level, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for biologists and biological scientists was around $82,000 in 2023. Entry-level positions may start closer to $45,000-$55,000, while experienced biologists or those in specialized fields can earn over $100,000 per year. Salaries can also be higher in sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or federal government positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biologist, you need a solid grounding in biological sciences, research methodology, and data analysis, usually supported by a bachelor’s or advanced degree in biology or related fields. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software (such as R or SPSS), and field research tools is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication help biologists excel in both independent research and collaborative projects. These skills ensure accurate scientific findings, successful project outcomes, and meaningful contributions to advancing biological knowledge.

What profession pays $400,000 a year?

In the field of biology, high salaries reaching $400,000 annually are typically associated with senior roles such as biotech executives, pharmaceutical company leaders, or specialized research directors. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities in research, development, or management.
More about Biologist Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Biologist Salary jobs? Cities with the most Biologist Salary job openings:
What states have the most Biologist Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Biologist Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Biologist Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
DTRA Biologist

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of Combatant Commands (CCMDs) and transitioning these technologies to military services CCMDs. SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.
We have an immediate need for a Diagnostics Biologist to provide onsite support at DTRA on Ft Belvoir in Lorton, VA.
Responsibilities
The candidate will provide Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Medical S&T Division - Diagnostics Branch (RD CBMD). The candidate will provide scientific and project management support to maximize client support for chemical and biological threat agent diagnostic technology development. This position serves as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate with emphasis on biological and chemical threat diagnostics. Prepare technical documentation across the research projects life cycle: topic drafting/solicitation, proposal reviews, technical support (e.g. review reports, provide technical feedback and recommendations), and project management. Review proposals, technical reports, experimental or theoretical techniques, scientific studies, and statements of work to ensure technical validity and evaluate current and emerging biological medical defense technologies. Assist leadership with decision making analysis. Understand capability gaps and assist in setting program, project, and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Prepare technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific proposals and efforts.
This position is located at DTRA Headquarters on Fort Belvoir, VA, and requires residing in the National Capital Region.
Travel: (10-30%) may be required.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Master's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in related scientific field, including research.
  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
  • Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
  • Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:
  • PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or related field.
  • Experience in chemical and biological threat diagnostics as part of the DoW research and development enterprise.
  • Experience with DoW Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoW acquisition policies.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $140,000.00/Yr.