Bioinformatics Scientists
SOC code 19-1029 · O*NET-SOC 19-1029.01 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bioinformatics Scientists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$98,920
a year
Hourly
$47.56
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$106,330
$51.12 per hour
Middle 50%
$76,800 – $127,670
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$60,430 – $168,010
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
55,850
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Biological Scientists, All Other”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $60,430
- $29.05/hr
- 25th percentile
- $76,800
- $36.92/hr
- Median percentile
- $98,920
- $47.56/hr
- 75th percentile
- $127,670
- $61.38/hr
- 90th percentile
- $168,010
- $80.77/hr
What does a bioinformatics scientist do?
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
- Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
- Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
- Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
- Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
How to become a bioinformatics scientist
Most people in this role hold master's degree — 42% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Master's Degree42%
- Doctoral Degree28%
- Post-Doctoral Training23%
- Bachelor's Degree7%
Common questions
How much does a bioinformatics scientist earn?
The national median is $98,920 a year. The full range runs from $60,430 at the 10th percentile to $168,010 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a bioinformatics scientist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.4/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Science4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Biology4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.7/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Engineering and Technology4.3/5
- Mathematics4.3/5
- Chemistry3.9/5
- Education and Training3.1/5
- Physics2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.