Molecular and Cellular Biologists in California
Thinking about a career as a Molecular and Cellular Biologists in California? Below are the key facts. All biological scientists not listed separately.
What do Molecular and Cellular Biologists Make in California?
For a molecular and cellular biologists working in California, the typical annual salary is $112,010 per year (or roughly $53.85/hour).Earnings range from $65,210 at the 10th percentile to $171,740 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,210 | $31.35 |
| 25th percentile | $83,850 | $40.31 |
| Median (50th) | $112,010 | $53.85 |
| 75th percentile | $147,790 | $71.06 |
| 90th percentile | $171,740 | $82.57 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California relative to the national average — is 1.80, suggesting that molecular and cellular biologists are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, molecular and cellular biologists earn a median of $100,077 per year ($48.11/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 151,151 molecular and cellular biologists nationwide. In California alone, around 12,580 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 520 molecular and cellular biologists.
Top California Metros for Molecular and Cellular Biologists
The largest metro-area employers of molecular and cellular biologists in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 4,320 | $132,670 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 2,450 | $105,160 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 2,050 | $101,600 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 730 | $132,630 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 700 | $96,140 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 260 | $100,890 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 240 | $84,390 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 170 | $111,220 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 130 | $71,690 |
| Fresno, CA | 110 | $79,350 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 70 | $105,230 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 70 | $103,930 |
| El Centro, CA | 60 | $84,810 |
| Modesto, CA | 50 | $97,910 |
| Salinas, CA | 50 | $104,750 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 50 | $97,780 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 50 | $93,650 |
| Vallejo, CA | 50 | $111,840 |
| Chico, CA | 40 | $74,000 |
| Redding, CA | 40 | $80,310 |
Top States for Molecular and Cellular Biologists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most molecular and cellular biologists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 12,580 |
| Maryland | 5,220 |
| North Carolina | 3,020 |
| New York | 2,610 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,600 |
| Texas | 2,600 |
| Missouri | 2,560 |
| Massachusetts | 2,450 |
| Florida | 2,380 |
| Virginia | 1,950 |
| Washington | 1,870 |
| Georgia | 1,520 |
| Illinois | 1,090 |
| Minnesota | 960 |
| Michigan | 900 |
| District of Columbia | 900 |
| Colorado | 900 |
| Indiana | 850 |
| Wisconsin | 850 |
| Oregon | 720 |
Highest-Paying States for Molecular and Cellular Biologists
These states pay the most for molecular and cellular biologists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $120,880 |
| Maryland | $115,710 |
| California | $112,010 |
| New Jersey | $102,760 |
| Massachusetts | $101,140 |
| Rhode Island | $98,990 |
| Alaska | $98,220 |
| North Carolina | $97,020 |
| Colorado | $96,680 |
| Washington | $96,120 |
Skills
The most important molecular and cellular biologists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for molecular and cellular biologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Molecular and Cellular Biologists typically:
- 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.
- Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
- Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
- Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
- Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Processing Information
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Thinking Creatively
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Training and Teaching Others
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Adobe Illustrator, C++ In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- General Biology
- Neurobiology & Neurosciences
- Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences
- Ecology & Systematics Biology
- Other Biological Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry & Biophysics
- Biomathematics & Bioinformatics
- Microbiology Science & Immunology
- Genetics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Zoology
- Physiology & Pathology Sciences
- Nutrition Science
- Human Biology
- Marine Science
- Child Development & Psychology
- Applied Mathematics
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to molecular and cellular biologists include:
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
Also Known As
Biologist, Biology Researcher, Cell Biologist, Cell Biology Scientist, Cellular Biologist, DNA Sequencing Associate, Electrophysiologist, Molecular Biologist, Molecular Biology Researcher, Molecular Biology Scientist, Molecular Biology Specialist, Molecular Research Biologist, Molecular Research Scientist, Molecular Technologist, Neurophysiologist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-1029.02
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.