Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Also called: Biologist, Biology Researcher, Cell Biologist, Cell Biology Scientist, Cellular Biologist, DNA Sequencing Associate
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.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
Molecular and Cellular Biologists 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 molecular and cellular biologists do
- 01Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- 02Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- 03Write grant applications to obtain funding.
- 04Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- 05Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- 06Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
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 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
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 molecular and cellular biologists
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary78% · —
- Nanosystems Engineers77% · group pay
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary77% · —
- Bioinformatics Technicians76% · group pay
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers76% · —
Change into molecular and cellular biologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary80% · $84,620
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary78% · $93,250
- Nanosystems Engineers77% · $122,930
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers74% · $109,370
- Bioinformatics Technicians74% · $81,490
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.