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:

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:

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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