Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Also called: Molecular Biologist · Research Scientist
Median pay (national)
$93,330
$54,500–$159,780 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
59,710
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+1.2%
~4,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for molecular and cellular biologists shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $159,780 versus $54,500 at the bottom 10% — 2.9x. The median of $93,330 leaves roughly 71% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +1.2% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 4,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 53 states with released data, Connecticut pays the most for this role (median $120,880, +30% vs the national median), while Missouri sits lowest at $63,290 — a 91% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Science, Reading Comprehension, Writing as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe Illustrator
- C++
- Git
- Python
- R
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- AcaClone pDRAW32
- Agilent CGH Analytics
- Agilent Technologies GeneSpring GX
- Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST
- Blast Output Browser BOB
- ClustalW
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Knowledge areas
- Biology
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Administration and Management