Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist Salary in USA - The growing need for advanced medical equipment has opened doors for the biotechnology industry and employment market throughout time. The biotechnology sector has become one of the most popular among international students, with a typical income ranging from around 50,71,997 to approximately 78,15,865.
The average annual salary paid by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) is around ₹1,01,62,453. It predicts an increase in biotechnologist pay in the United States in the upcoming years.
Therefore, it is indisputable that the subject of biotechnology is expanding and may offer a successful job following a bachelor's or master's degree, but the abundance of options might be bewildering. Here is a thorough reference to the top locations and jobs in the USA that pay the highest salaries for biotechnologists.
The biotechnology sector in the United States has grown noticeably as a result of the rising need for medical technologies. The business is growing and offering more job possibilities, drawing in more international workers and students.
The most recent information on biotechnology in the United States is provided below.
In the USA, the average income for a biotechnologist is around ₹53,68,002. In addition to the yearly pay, biotechnologist salaries in the USA come with an extra ~₹9,03,480 in cash compensation each year.
Over the last five years, from 2018 to 2023, the total number of biotechnology employees in the USA expanded by 5.2% on average. The overall number reached a peak of 4,08,376 by 2023.
There is evidence of a 7% rise in the number of biotechnology companies in the United States as compared to 2022. As of 2023, there were 3,429 biotechnology companies operating in the United States.
In the USA, the average biotechnology company is currently recruiting more people than it did five years ago. There are 93.6 workers on average in each industry. Over the past five years, there has also been a rise in revenue per employee.
Although it is the 96th largest sector in the country, the biotechnology sector in the US is rated 14th in the Healthcare and Social Assistance sector by employment.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics projects that there will be a 1.5 million shortfall of scientists and engineers in the US alone by 2026. This makes it possible that jobs for foreign nationals and students will become available in the future.
Let's dive into a thorough examination of the biotechnologist compensation in the United States now that we are aware of some important details regarding the industry and the high demand for biotechnologists.
Biotechnologists are qualified for several important roles in the industry, such as manufacturing biomedical equipment or working as biomedical technicians.
Such experts are in great demand in the US biotechnology sector, particularly during the pandemic when there was a sharp increase in the need for medications.
The top jobs in biotechnology that graduates can pursue to earn a high salary as biotechnologists in the United States are listed below.
A clinical technician gathers and prepares medical or research specimens. A clinical technician must be able to operate in a laboratory setting and be familiar with the various testing apparatuses.
In addition, a competent clinical technician is required to operate robotic equipment, disinfect scientific instruments, set up testing settings, and collect and label samples.
A bachelor's or associate's degree in biotechnology or a related discipline is required for employment as a clinical technician.
For this role, the average annual income for a biotechnologist in the USA is around ₹40,08,374. Base pay (without regard to other perks) and supplementary compensation make up the wage. Below is a breakdown of biotechnologist salaries in the United States.
Payment Category |
Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
Base Pay |
₹38,53,304 |
Additional Pay |
₹1,55,070 |
In addition to the biotechnologist salary in the United States, the employee receives annual profit-sharing, commission, gratuities, and cash incentives.
Proper installation, calibration, and operational oversight are necessary for biomedical equipment. This is when a biomedical equipment technician's duty becomes relevant.
They do hardware changes, install necessary software updates, and check and calibrate the equipment in accordance with predetermined standards.
A minimum of an associate's degree in a comparable discipline is required for this position. In the USA, the median pay for this job is around ₹47,33,504 per year.
Below is a breakdown of the biotechnologist pay in the United States for a biomedical technician.
Payment Category |
Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
Base Pay |
₹43,27,245 |
Additional Pay |
₹4,06,341 |
Base pay is the employee's set yearly income; extra compensation is determined annually by the tips, commissions, or bonuses that are collected as part of the biotechnologist salary in the United States.
Professionals who study microbes to determine how they interact with their surroundings are known as microbiologists. Planning, carrying out, and even managing a group of technicians on experimental projects are all part of the job description of a microbiologist.
Microbiologists frequently collaborate on projects involving molecular biology and medicine in multidisciplinary project teams.
A bachelor's degree in microbiology is the prerequisite for becoming a microbiologist.
This employment has an annual median income of around ₹54,87,735. The base pay for biotechnologists in the United States as well as extra monetary benefits are displayed in the table below for microbiologists.
Payment Category |
Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
Base Pay |
₹53,73,324 |
Additional Pay |
₹2,60,002 |
After talking about important roles that offer higher pay, it's time to examine additional variables that might impact a biotechnologist's compensation in the United States.
The growing need for surgical tools and medical equipment has led to a growth in the biomanufacturing industry. Another crucial industry with plenty of opportunity for biomanufacturing expertise is medicine development.
Consider the COVID-19 vaccine production process, when there was a sharp increase in demand for biomanufacturers.
For biomanufacturing professionals, an MS in biomedical engineering with four years of experience or a PhD with two years of experience in a related subject is the minimum qualifying need.
In the US, the median pay for this job is around ₹53,99,598 annually. For further information on the biotechnologist pay in the USA for this position, see the table below.
Payment Category |
Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
Base Pay |
₹45,69,287 |
Additional Pay |
₹8,30,310 |
Biomanufacturing Specialists receive an increased supplementary compensation in their biotechnologist income in the United States when compared to other careers in the same field.
There are more ways to raise your biotechnologist pay in the United States in addition to the money you get paid as an employee. The best approach is to acquire specialised work skills relevant to your sector.
Salary studies show that talents related to research analysis and product development are in high demand when it comes to biotechnology skills. Data from wage surveys indicate that microbiology, GMP compliance, and other subjects are among the other abilities that make the list.
One of the most satisfying skill sets for a biotechnologist to have is microbiology knowledge. It covers a variety of topics, including the investigation of microbe behaviour in certain settings and DNA analysis.
For candidates with a degree in microbiology, nations including the USA, Canada, Mexico, the UK, and others offer excellent prospects in medical care and lab technician positions.
The average annual pay for a microbiologist working as a biotechnologist in the United States is around ₹43,23,670 to ~₹66,51,800.
In the USA, research analysis is a highly sought-after professional talent for biotechnologists. It has to do with in-depth analysis of trials connected to biotechnology.
For instance, you may learn DNA sequencing or genetic engineering research techniques, which could lead to a huge pay boost.
In the United States, a biotechnologist with research analysis abilities makes around ₹54,04,587 annually.
The biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors rely on a system of rules and principles known as good manufacturing practice, or GMP, to guarantee the quality, safety, and consistency of their products.
For the purpose of establishing compliance, enhancing the procedure, and tracking down issues in various domains, GMP records and documentation are essential.
You may enter the biomanufacturing ecosystem and have a successful career anywhere in North America if you possess GMP compliance abilities. Candidates with GMP compliance experience have excellent chances in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in nations like the United States of America and Canada.
In the United States, the average yearly income for a biotechnologist with expertise in GMP Compliance is around ₹63,40,662.
The degree of experience has a significant impact on a biotechnologist's pay in the United States. Expertise is enhanced by experience. Longer tenure in a field fosters the development of your professional abilities and increases your dependability.
Higher experienced personnel are frequently chosen by employers. The level of your biotechnology degree also affects your pay: entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level biotechnologists all have different salaries.
The pay scale for biotechnologists in the United States is broken down by experience level in the table below.
Years of Experience |
Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
0-1 Years |
₹56,24,180 |
1-3 Years |
₹60,25,449 |
4-6 Years |
₹65,09,285 |
7-9 Years |
₹69,64,933 |
10-14 Years |
₹78,27,339 |
15+ Years |
₹96,53,923 |
While expertise is a valuable asset, there are additional factors to take into account when working as a biotechnologist. This covers the place of employment, the speciality, and the tools used during work.
The yearly income of a biotechnologist in the United States is significantly influenced by the city in which they work. A state's or city's average pay differs based on its minimum wage regulations and living wage.
The highest-paying cities in the nation are the ideal places for biotechnologists to live in the United States. The top American cities for biotechnologist salaries are shown below.
Name of the City |
Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
Richmond |
₹54,20,967 |
Sane Jose |
₹50,95,361 |
Santa Clara |
₹50,95,361 |
Fremont |
₹50,82,390 |
San Francisco |
₹50,75,073 |
Daly City |
₹50,75,073 |
Oakland |
₹49,53,262 |
Berkeley |
₹49,53,262 |
Hayward |
₹49,43,534 |
For a biotechnologist, the COVID-19 scenario creates a number of significant employment opportunities. There is an increasing need for biotechnologists to withstand emerging pandemics and produce new vaccinations.
To work, biotechnologists are not required to have any licences. Nonetheless, passing the Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam will help your career because employers in the field will recognise it. The examination measures your understanding of biotechnology, including research techniques, lab safety, chemistry, and lab skills.
A career in biotechnology is also very promising due of the field's growing specialisations and the ongoing scientific discoveries made by researchers.
1. Is a Masters in Biotechnology in the USA an excellent choice?
A biotechnology master's degree in the USA is a wise choice. The most advantageous aspect of this programme is that it exposes you to several world-class research institutions and universities. When you graduate, you will be an authority in your profession as a result. In the USA, a job in biotechnology is also well-respected and pays well.
2. In the United States, which city is the best for biotechnologists to work?
In the United States, California offers the highest wage for biotechnologists. San Jose (₹50,95,361), Santa Clara (₹50,95,361), Fremont (₹50,82,390), and San Francisco (₹50,75,073) are a few of the top paying states. California's high living wages and higher minimum wage per hour are major contributors to the state's high income levels. California's minimum salary for 2023 is ₹1,289 per hour.
3. What is the highest salary that a biotechnologist in the United States can get?
In the USA, the highest average income for a biotechnologist is around ₹78,15,865. Depending on your area of expertise, job experience, work environment, and work abilities, this may go up. In the USA, a biotechnologist with over 15 years of expertise typically makes around ₹96,53,923 per year.
4. Can I work in the United States once my studies in biotechnology in India are over?
It is feasible for me to work in the USA after my studies in biotechnology in India are over. While you're still in India, you may increase your work experience and skill set to increase your chances of landing a job in the US. You will also benefit from taking on additional internships and gaining research experience in areas that are in high demand in the US biotech industry.