Bioinformatics Scientist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Bioinformatics Scientist salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 183,600 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 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

In the United States, the salary composition for a Bioinformatics Scientist specializing in AI/ML/Data Science can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in the region and the demand for bioinformatics expertise.

In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses. These bonuses can be annual or quarterly and are often tied to individual performance metrics or company-wide goals. The bonus percentage can vary, but it typically ranges from 5% to 20% of the base salary.

Additional remuneration may include stock options or equity, especially in tech startups or larger tech companies. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development funds are also common. In regions with a high concentration of tech companies, such as Silicon Valley, the total compensation package, including bonuses and stock options, can be significantly higher.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Bioinformatics Scientist, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize Further: Deepening your expertise in a niche area of AI/ML or bioinformatics can make you more valuable. Consider focusing on emerging technologies or methodologies that are in high demand.

• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership or managerial role can significantly increase your earning potential. This might involve leading a team of scientists or managing projects.

• Industry Switch: Moving to a higher-paying industry, such as pharmaceuticals or biotechnology, can also lead to a salary increase. These industries often have larger budgets for research and development.

• Geographic Relocation: Consider relocating to regions with higher salary averages for your role. Major tech hubs often offer higher compensation packages.

• Continued Education: Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can also lead to salary increases. An MBA or a specialized master's degree in data science or AI can be beneficial.

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.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and potentially lead to higher salaries. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS): This certification demonstrates proficiency in data science methodologies and tools.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Useful for roles that involve deploying machine learning models on cloud platforms.
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate: Validates your ability to build and train machine learning models using TensorFlow.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in bioinformatics or a related field. Experience with machine learning models, data analysis, and computational biology is crucial. Experience in a specific industry, such as pharmaceuticals or healthcare, can also be advantageous.

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