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Molecular Biologist

💰 Earn $84K-$148K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 48 Month Training

📈 1.2% Job Growth

Unlock the secrets of life by exploring the building blocks of cells.
Drive scientific breakthroughs that can revolutionize medicine and biotechnology.
Dive into the microscopic world and discover the wonders of molecular interactions.

What Molecular Biologists DoResearch and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

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.

Molecular Biologists Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training TimeOver 4 years

Job Openings4,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$112,010 in California

$93,330 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@aplantbiologist

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Being creative or artistic
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

you are skilled in

Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making

Go Deeper: Molecular Biologists Explained

Molecular BiologistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

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