Bioinformatics Scientist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Bioinformatics Scientist salary lies between USD 117,400 and USD 171,800 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Bioinformatics Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Bioinformatics Scientist job listings are Bioinformatics, Python and Statistics. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Bioinformatics | 37 jobs Python | 35 jobs Statistics | 32 jobs Research | 31 jobs Data analysis | 30 jobs Computer Science | 29 jobs Machine Learning | 27 jobs Biology | 24 jobs PhD | 23 jobs R | 20 jobs Testing | 18 jobs Pipelines | 13 jobs Linux | 12 jobs Java | 10 jobs Engineering | 9 jobs Deep Learning | 7 jobs R&D | 7 jobs Privacy | 7 jobs Generative AI | 7 jobs AWS | 6 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Bioinformatics Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Bioinformatics Scientist job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 34 jobs Health care | 33 jobs Equity / stock options | 20 jobs Salary bonus | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 13 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Flex hours | 9 jobs Fertility benefits | 9 jobs Flex vacation | 7 jobs Startup environment | 6 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 2 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Bioinformatics Scientist specializing in AI/ML/Data Science can vary significantly based on several factors, including region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance.

In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses. In contrast, companies in smaller cities or regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but could compensate with other benefits. Larger companies or those in the tech industry might also offer stock options or equity as part of the remuneration package, which can be a significant addition to the overall compensation, especially if the company is publicly traded or has a high growth potential.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Bioinformatics Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your skill set, particularly in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas within bioinformatics that are in high demand can make you more valuable.

• Advanced Education: Pursuing further education, such as a Ph.D. or specialized certifications, can position you for higher-level roles that offer increased compensation.

• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or leadership positions can significantly boost your salary. This might involve leading a team of scientists or managing projects.

• Industry Transition: Moving to industries that pay higher salaries for similar roles, such as pharmaceuticals or biotechnology, can also be beneficial.

• Networking and Visibility: Building a strong professional network and increasing your visibility in the field through publications, speaking engagements, or contributions to open-source projects can lead to better job offers.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a Bioinformatics Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, or a related field. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive roles or positions in academia. The educational background should include a strong foundation in both biological sciences and computational methods, with coursework in statistics, machine learning, and data analysis.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS): Offered by various organizations, this certification validates your skills in data science and analytics.

• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: This certification is beneficial if you are working with cloud-based machine learning solutions.

• TensorFlow Developer Certificate: Demonstrates proficiency in using TensorFlow for machine learning and deep learning applications.

• Bioinformatics Certifications: Offered by institutions like Coursera or edX, these can provide specialized knowledge in bioinformatics tools and techniques.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in bioinformatics or a related field. Experience with AI/ML tools and techniques is crucial, as is a proven track record of working on projects that involve large-scale data analysis. Experience in interdisciplinary teams and familiarity with the specific biological domain relevant to the employer's focus can also be advantageous.

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