Geneticist Salary in 2026
Study genes and heredity to understand genetic disorders and develop new treatments.
Median Salary
$98,920
$8,243/mo
Entry Level
$66,300
starting pay
Senior Level
$142,300
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 Geneticist) 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.
Geneticist Overview
Study genes and heredity to understand genetic disorders and develop new treatments.
Education
Doctorate
Experience
4-8 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
56K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$47.56/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,243
Geneticist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Geneticist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Geneticist Salary
$116,000
$9,667/month · $4,462/biweekly · $55.77/hr
Geneticist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Geneticist field.
Entry-level Geneticists earn around $66,300, while the top 10% earn $164,650 or more.
Top Paying States for Geneticists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $117,000 | +$18,080 |
| New York | $114,000 | +$15,080 |
| Massachusetts | $111,000 | +$12,080 |
| Maryland | $107,000 | +$8,080 |
| North Carolina | $95,000 | $-3,920 |
Top Paying Cities for Geneticists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $124,000 | +$25,080 |
| Bethesda | $117,000 | +$18,080 |
| New York | $117,000 | +$18,080 |
| Boston | $111,000 | +$12,080 |
| 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.
Geneticist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Geneticist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Geneticist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Geneticist from entry level to expert.
$66,300
0-2 years
$104,000
3-7 years
$142,300
8-14 years
$187,000
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Geneticist Salary FAQ
How much does a Geneticist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Geneticist 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 $66,300, senior professionals around $142,300, and top earners at $187,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Geneticist?
A Geneticist typically requires a Doctorate with 4-8 years of experience. Key skills include Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics. Relevant certifications such as ABMGG Board Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Geneticists?
The job market for Geneticists is projected to grow by 15% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 56K Geneticist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Geneticists the most?
The highest-paying states for Geneticists include Massachusetts, California, Maryland. In Massachusetts, the median salary is approximately $111,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Geneticist salary?
To increase your Geneticist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Genomics and Molecular Biology. Pursue certifications such as ABMGG Board Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Boston. With 4-8 years of experience, you can progress from $66,300 to $142,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Geneticist Salary
How we calculate Geneticist 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 ($66,300) and senior-level ($142,300) 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: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: 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 Geneticist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Geneticist 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 Science
- 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: Geneticist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics), 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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