Molecular and Cellular Biologists
SOC code 19-1029 · O*NET-SOC 19-1029.02 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering
Molecular and Cellular Biologists 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 do molecular and cellular biologists do?
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Write grant applications to obtain funding.
- Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 35% 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
- Bachelor's Degree35%
- Post-Doctoral Training35%
- Doctoral Degree23%
- Master's Degree8%
Common questions
How much does a molecular and cellular biologists 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 molecular and cellular biologists 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
- Science4.8/5
- Reading Comprehension4.4/5
- Writing4.3/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
- Learning Strategies3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Biology4.8/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Chemistry4.1/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Education and Training3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.1/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.