Bioinformatics Scientist Salary in 2026
Apply computational methods to analyze and interpret biological data, especially genomic data.
Median Salary
$98,920
$8,243/mo
Entry Level
$67,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$139,400
experienced
Job Growth
+15%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Biological Scientists, All Other (SOC 19-1029, the closest published occupation to Bioinformatics Scientist) at a national median of $98,920 per year (mean $106,330), or $47.56 per hour, with 55,850 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Bioinformatics Scientist Overview
Apply computational methods to analyze and interpret biological data, especially genomic data.
Education
Master's/Doctorate
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
56K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$47.56/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,243
Bioinformatics Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Bioinformatics Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Bioinformatics Scientist Salary
$115,000
$9,583/month · $4,423/biweekly · $55.29/hr
Bioinformatics Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Bioinformatics Scientist field.
Entry-level Bioinformatics Scientists earn around $67,800, while the top 10% earn $154,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Bioinformatics Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $117,000 | +$18,080 |
| Massachusetts | $111,000 | +$12,080 |
| New Jersey | $109,000 | +$10,080 |
| Maryland | $107,000 | +$8,080 |
| North Carolina | $95,000 | $-3,920 |
Top Paying Cities for Bioinformatics Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $124,000 | +$25,080 |
| New York | $117,000 | +$18,080 |
| Boston | $111,000 | +$12,080 |
| San Diego | $109,000 | +$10,080 |
| Research Triangle | $101,000 | +$2,080 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Bioinformatics Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Bioinformatics Scientist from entry level to expert.
$67,800
0-2 years
$104,000
3-7 years
$139,400
8-14 years
$169,600
15+ years
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Bioinformatics Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Bioinformatics Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Bioinformatics Scientist in the United States is $98,920 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Biological Scientists, All Other (SOC 19-1029); the mean is $106,330. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $67,800, senior professionals around $139,400, and top earners at $169,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Bioinformatics Scientist?
A Bioinformatics Scientist typically requires a Master's/Doctorate with 3-5 years of experience. Key skills include Genomics, Python, R. Relevant certifications such as Bioinformatics Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Bioinformatics Scientists?
The job market for Bioinformatics Scientists is projected to grow by 15% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 56K Bioinformatics Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Bioinformatics Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Bioinformatics Scientists include California, Massachusetts, Maryland. In California, the median salary is approximately $117,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Bioinformatics Scientist salary?
To increase your Bioinformatics Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Genomics and Python. Pursue certifications such as Bioinformatics Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 3-5 years of experience, you can progress from $67,800 to $139,400 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Bioinformatics Scientist Salary
How we calculate Bioinformatics Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Biological Scientists, All Other (SOC 19-1029), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $98,920, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Biological Scientists, All Other; BLS mean $106,330; BLS hourly median $47.56.
- Entry-level ($67,800) and senior-level ($139,400) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +15% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 55,850 Biological Scientists, All Other jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $98,920; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Bioinformatics Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bioinformatics Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Bioinformatics Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Genomics, Python, R), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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