Bioinformatics Scientists
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Also called: Bioinformatician, Bioinformaticist, Bioinformatics Associate, Bioinformatics Computer Scientist, Bioinformatics Developer, Bioinformatics Engineer
Median pay
$98,920
Pay for the broader BLS group “Biological Scientists, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$60,430 – $168,010
People employed
55,850
Whole BLS group
Holland code
ICR
Investigative · Conventional · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 6.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 7.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 8.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Bioinformatics Scientists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Biological Scientists, All Other”.
What bioinformatics scientists do
- 01Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- 02Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
- 03Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
- 04Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- 05Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
- 06Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Science
Knowledge
- Biology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Adaptability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from bioinformatics scientists
- Bioinformatics Technicians92% · group pay
- Statisticians87% · —
- Biostatisticians85% · group pay
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers84% · —
- Data Scientists84% · —
Change into bioinformatics scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Statisticians90% · $105,650
- Biostatisticians88% · $105,650
- Bioinformatics Technicians84% · $81,490
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers82% · $109,370
- Mathematicians79% · $126,710
Majors that lead here
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Photobiology
- Radiation Biology/Radiobiology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Plant Pathology/Phytopathology
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Botany/Plant Biology, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.