Bioinformatics
Salary Guide 2026
Real salary data from job postings
Based on 714 jobs with disclosed salaries • Last updated: May 16, 2026
Bioinformatics salaries in the United States vary significantly by role, experience level, and location. Entry-level bioinformatics scientists typically earn $70,000-$95,000 in Boston, while senior computational biologists at top biotech companies can command $180,000-$250,000+ in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The highest-paying biotech hubs are San Francisco/South San Francisco, Boston/Cambridge, and San Diego. Remote positions typically match Boston-level salaries.
Base salary is only part of the picture. Total compensation in biotech typically includes annual bonuses (10-20% of base), equity grants (RSUs or stock options worth $10k-$50k+/year at public companies), sign-on bonuses, and benefits like 401k matching. At senior levels, equity can represent 20-40% of total comp. Learn more in our Total Compensation Guide →
Key salary metrics from 714 bioinformatics job postings with disclosed compensation on CompBioJobs. The median represents what a typical candidate earns, while the Top 25% threshold shows what top-paying roles offer.
Average Range
$150k - $221k
Median
$162k
Top 25%
$187k+
Data Coverage
42%
714/1701 jobs
Bioinformatics Salary by Experience Level
How much do bioinformaticians make at different career stages? Here's a breakdown of bioinformatics scientist salaries in the USA by years of experience:
| Experience Level | Years | Base Salary | Total Comp* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level / Scientist I | 0-2 years | $75,000 - $100,000 | $85,000 - $120,000 |
| Mid-Level / Scientist II | 2-5 years | $100,000 - $140,000 | $120,000 - $175,000 |
| Senior Scientist | 5-8 years | $140,000 - $180,000 | $170,000 - $230,000 |
| Principal Scientist | 8-12 years | $175,000 - $230,000 | $220,000 - $300,000 |
| Director / Head of Bioinformatics | 12+ years | $220,000 - $300,000 | $300,000 - $450,000+ |
*Total compensation includes base salary + annual bonus (10-25%) + equity (RSUs/options). Bay Area and Boston typically pay 10-20% above these ranges.
Bioinformatics Salary by Degree
Does a PhD increase bioinformatics salary? Here's how education level affects compensation in the US:
Bachelor's Degree
$65K - $95K
Entry-level positions. Often titled "Research Associate" or "Bioinformatics Analyst". Can advance to $120K+ with experience.
Master's Degree
$85K - $130K
Most common entry point. Titled "Bioinformatics Scientist I/II". Ceiling around $180K at senior levels.
PhD
$110K - $160K
Higher starting salary. Required for many research roles. Can reach $250K+ as Principal Scientist or Director.
Key insight: A PhD adds ~$20-30K to starting salary, but Master's + 3-4 years experience often matches PhD starting compensation. The PhD advantage grows at senior levels where research leadership is required.
Bioinformatics vs Biostatistics vs Data Science Salary
How does bioinformatics salary compare to biostatistics, computational biology, and data science? Here's a side-by-side comparison of salaries across related fields in the USA:
| Field | Entry Level | Mid Level | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics Scientist | $85K - $110K | $120K - $160K | $170K - $220K |
| Computational Biologist | $90K - $115K | $125K - $170K | $180K - $240K |
| Biostatistician | $80K - $105K | $110K - $150K | $160K - $210K |
| Data Scientist (Tech) | $100K - $140K | $150K - $200K | $200K - $300K |
| ML Engineer (Biotech) | $110K - $150K | $160K - $210K | $220K - $320K |
Note: Tech data science pays higher but biotech offers better work-life balance and job stability. ML roles in biotech command premiums due to AI/drug discovery intersection.
Computational Biology Salary
Computational biology salaries are comparable to bioinformatics salaries, and the two titles are often used interchangeably by employers. In practice, computational biologist roles tend to skew slightly higher ($90K-$240K) because they often require deeper modeling or algorithm development skills, while bioinformatics scientist roles may focus more on pipeline building and data analysis.
At the senior level, computational biology roles at pharma and biotech companies pay $180K-$240K base, with total compensation reaching $300K+ at companies like Genentech, Recursion, and Insitro. The highest-paying computational biology jobs are in AI-driven drug discovery, where ML expertise combined with biology domain knowledge commands a premium.
Entry-Level Bioinformatics Salary
Entry-level bioinformatics salaries in the USA range from $65,000 to $110,000, depending on degree, location, and company type. A new graduate with a Master's degree typically starts at $85,000-$100,000 at a pharma or biotech company in Boston or San Francisco. Bachelor's degree holders can expect $65,000-$90,000 as a Bioinformatics Analyst or Research Associate.
BS / Entry Analyst
$65K-$90K
MS / Scientist I
$85K-$110K
PhD / Postdoc → Scientist
$110K-$140K
The fastest way to increase your starting salary is to gain experience through internships and build a portfolio of analysis projects. Companies value candidates who can demonstrate practical skills in Python/R, NGS analysis, or ML—even without years of full-time experience.
Salary Distribution
This histogram shows how bioinformatics salaries are distributed across pay bands. Most positions cluster in the $100k-$150k range, representing mid-career roles. The "Min" bar shows the floor of posted salary ranges, while "Max" shows the ceiling. The gap between them reflects negotiation room—candidates with strong skills and experience typically land closer to the maximum. Use this to set realistic expectations during job searches.
Top Paying Bioinformatics Roles
These are the highest-paying job titles based on 714 jobs with disclosed salaries posted on CompBioJobs. Data includes all active and recently archived positions to provide comprehensive salary benchmarks.
Genentech Fellow/Executive Director, Frontier Research, AI for Drug Discovery
1 job
$288k - $534k
Genentech Fellow, Frontier Research, AI for Drug Discovery
1 job
$288k - $534k
Executive Director, Data Sciences & Advanced Analytics
1 job
$341k - $413k
Machine Learning Research Lead, Alzheimer's Disease Initiative
1 job
$339k - $401k
Executive Director, Computational Biology - Oncology
4 jobs
$250k - $464k
Senior Director, Biostatistics
1 job
$311k - $385k
Head of Machine Learning, Cell Biology
1 job
$315k - $360k
Principal Machine Learning Engineer
2 jobs
$231k - $430k
Executive Director, Field Analytics & Insights
1 job
$228k - $423k
Head of Statistical Programming
1 job
$257k - $386k
Bioinformatics Intern Salaries
10 positions with salary dataReal intern compensation from job postings on CompBioJobs. Summer internships in bioinformatics typically pay $30k-$50k for the 10-12 week program (equivalent to $25-45/hour). Top companies like Genentech, Moderna, and Insitro offer the highest intern compensation. Average intern salary: $33k - $46k.
| Position | Company | Location | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Future Talent Program - Bioinformatics Intern | Merck | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA | $40k - $106k |
| Software Graduate Intern, Autonomous Lab | Ginkgobioworks | Emeryville, California | $45k - $64k |
| Software Graduate Intern, Autonomous Lab | Ginkgobioworks | Emeryville, California | $45k - $64k |
| 2026 Intern, Biostatistics and Programming | Moderna | Boston, MA | $20k - $60k |
| Biomarker Statistics Summer 2026 Intern | Sanofi | Cambridge, MA | $55k - $60k |
| 2026 Intern, Biostatistics and Programming | Moderna | Cambridge, Massachusetts | $20k - $60k |
| Research Scientist Intern - Computational Biology (Seed AI-for-Science) - 2026 Start (PhD) | ByteDance | Seattle, WA | $57k - $57k |
| Software Intern, Autonomous Lab | Ginkgobioworks | Emeryville, California | $38k - $54k |
| 2026 Summer Intern - Computational Sciences Center of Excellence AI for Drug Discovery | Genentech | New York City | $45k - $50k |
| 2026 Summer Intern - Proteomic and Genomic Technologies | Genentech | South San Francisco | $40k - $46k |
Salary by Company
Company size, funding stage, and compensation philosophy significantly impact bioinformatics salaries. Large pharma (Genentech, Pfizer, Merck) typically offers competitive base salaries with stable benefits and bonuses. Public biotech companies add RSU grants that can substantially increase total compensation. Well-funded startups may offer lower base but larger equity stakes with high upside potential. The table below shows salary ranges from 15 companies actively hiring.
| Company | Jobs | Avg Range | Top Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc Institute | 2 | $287k - $346k | $401k |
| Nuvalent, Inc. | 3 | $265k - $300k | $300k |
| Insitro | 4 | $232k - $278k | $360k |
| Eli Lilly and Company | 2 | $180k - $303k | $339k |
| Novartis | 9 | $169k - $314k | $380k |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb | 5 | $211k - $268k | $413k |
| Kardigan | 3 | $202k - $272k | $338k |
| Iambic Therapeutics | 2 | $199k - $259k | $315k |
| Formation Bio | 11 | $196k - $252k | $385k |
| Centessa Pharmaceuticals | 3 | $190k - $250k | $250k |
| Gilead Sciences | 3 | $184k - $255k | $293k |
| Alnylam Pharmaceuticals | 3 | $183k - $248k | $288k |
| Freenome | 210 | $179k - $251k | $338k |
| Takeda | 6 | $165k - $259k | $333k |
| PTC Therapeutics | 2 | $190k - $233k | $260k |
Salary by Location
Location is one of the strongest predictors of bioinformatics salary. The San Francisco Bay Area leads with 15-25% premium over other markets, driven by high cost of living and concentration of well-funded biotechs. Boston/Cambridge follows closely as the largest biotech hub by job count. Remote positions typically match Boston-level salaries regardless of where you live. Consider cost of living when comparing—a $150K salary in San Diego stretches further than $180K in SF.
Salary by Role & Location
The intersection of job title and location determines your salary range most precisely. A Senior Bioinformatics Scientist in San Francisco earns significantly more than the same role in smaller markets. Use this table to benchmark your specific role-location combination. Data is from job postings on CompBioJobs with disclosed salaries.
| Role | Location | Jobs | Avg Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ML Engineer | Boston | 46 | $111k - $168k |
| Data Scientist | Boston | 41 | $131k - $201k |
| Principal/Director | Boston | 35 | $179k - $265k |
| Principal/Director | San Francisco | 20 | $172k - $313k |
| Computational Biology | Boston | 17 | $114k - $153k |
| Biostatistics | Boston | 16 | $184k - $243k |
| Computational Biology | San Francisco | 16 | $149k - $219k |
| Senior Scientist | Boston | 13 | $135k - $196k |
| ML Engineer | San Francisco | 11 | $199k - $314k |
| Senior Scientist | Remote | 10 | $126k - $183k |
| Biostatistics | San Francisco | 9 | $174k - $286k |
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Open Salary CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions About Bioinformatics Salaries
What is the average bioinformatics salary in the USA?
The average bioinformatics scientist salary in the USA ranges from $85,000-$130,000 depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions start at $70,000-$95,000, while senior roles at top biotech companies can reach $180,000-$250,000+.
How much do bioinformaticians make per year?
Bioinformaticians in the USA make $85,000 to $250,000+ per year depending on experience. Entry-level bioinformaticians earn $75,000-$100,000, mid-level make $100,000-$150,000, and senior bioinformatics scientists earn $150,000-$220,000. Directors and principals can exceed $300,000 total compensation.
Which cities pay the highest bioinformatics salaries?
The San Francisco Bay Area pays the highest bioinformatics salaries, followed by Boston/Cambridge, Seattle, and San Diego. SF Bay Area offers 15-25% premium over other regions due to high cost of living and concentration of top biotech companies like Genentech, Gilead, and Illumina.
Is bioinformatics a good paying career?
Yes, bioinformatics is a well-paying career. Starting salaries range from $75,000-$110,000 for entry-level positions, significantly higher than many other biology careers. The field offers strong salary growth, with senior positions paying $180,000-$250,000+. Job stability is excellent due to growing demand in pharma, biotech, and healthcare.
What is the highest paying bioinformatics job?
The highest paying bioinformatics jobs are Director/VP of Bioinformatics ($250,000-$400,000+), Principal Scientist ($180,000-$280,000), and ML/AI Scientists in drug discovery ($200,000-$350,000). Startups may offer lower base but significant equity upside.
Do I need a PhD for bioinformatics jobs?
A PhD is not always required for bioinformatics jobs. Many positions accept a Master's degree with relevant experience. However, senior scientist and research leadership roles at pharma companies often prefer or require a PhD. Bachelor's degree holders can enter as Research Associates or Analysts.
What is a computational biology salary?
Computational biology salaries in the USA range from $90,000-$240,000. Entry-level computational biologists earn $90,000-$115,000, mid-level $125,000-$170,000, and senior computational biologists $180,000-$240,000. The roles are comparable to bioinformatics, with computational biology often paying slightly more due to emphasis on modeling and algorithm development.
What is the entry-level bioinformatics salary?
Entry-level bioinformatics salaries range from $65,000-$110,000 depending on degree. Bachelor's holders start at $65,000-$90,000. Master's graduates earn $85,000-$110,000. PhD graduates entering industry start at $110,000-$140,000. SF Bay Area and Boston typically pay 10-20% above these ranges.
How does bioinformatics salary compare to biostatistics?
Bioinformatics and biostatistics salaries are similar, with bioinformatics paying slightly more at senior levels. Entry-level bioinformatics: $85K-$110K vs biostatistics: $80K-$105K. Senior bioinformatics: $170K-$220K vs senior biostatistics: $160K-$210K. ML engineers in biotech earn the most at $220K-$320K.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced directly from job postings on CompBioJobs. All figures are base salaries in USD and may vary based on:
- • Individual skills, experience, and negotiation
- • Company size, funding stage, and compensation philosophy
- • Total compensation (bonus, equity, benefits) not shown
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