Biotechnology combines technology with the biological sciences to improve the quality of life for people. Scientists working in biotechnology typically are biologists, biochemists, biophysicists, geneticists and microbiologists. They apply their expertise to medicine, food science, agriculture, and product development in industry.
- The PayScale salary survey website shows median starting salary for biotechnology research scientists at $63,000 in 2009, with an increase to $73,000 with 5 years experience.
- Biotechnology research scientists have a median annual salary of $76,000 to $77,000 in 2009, according to PayScale, but those working in the pharmaceutical industry are making between $79,000 to $81,000 annually on average.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows biochemists and biophysicists earning an average of about $42.50 per hour in 2008, or about $88,000 per year. Microbiologists in 2008 were earning an average of about $33.70 per hour, or $70,000 annually.
- Biological scientists and microbiologists working in scientific research and
development services were earning an average of $74,000 to $79,000 in 2008, according to the BLS. - Biochemists and biophysicists working for hospitals in 2008 were making an average of about $100,000 annually.