Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Molecular and Cellular Biologists research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. The role reports a median annual salary of $93,330 in the US with the middle 80% earning between $49,790 and $154,320 and is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.45 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Critical Thinking, Science, Reading Comprehension, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving.
Salary distribution (US)
Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £45,382 a year for Biological scientists (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 2112). ONS rates this estimate acceptable: it rests on a small sample, so treat it as a rough guide. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Professionals” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Molecular and Cellular Biologists, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 2. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
How to get here in India
No single fixed route is listed for this career. These Indian degrees lead to it, according to the US CIP–SOC education-to-occupation crosswalk; open a degree for its entrance exams and colleges.[1]
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Biotechnology — B.Tech / B.E. in Biotechnology (four years)
Entrance exams: JEE Main, CUET-UG, MHT CET, KCET, WBJEE
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Botany — B.Sc / B.Sc (Hons) in Botany (three years, or four with honours under NEP)
Entrance exams: CUET-UG
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Genetics — B.Sc / B.Sc (Hons) in Genetics, or B.Sc with genetics as a subject (three or four years)
Entrance exams: CUET-UG
Rules change: check the exam body's and regulator's current notice before you apply.
- CIP 2020 – SOC 2018 crosswalk (NCES / BLS) (read on 2026-09-27)
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
What you'd actually do
- 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.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Molecular and Cellular Biologists do?
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
How much does Molecular and Cellular Biologists earn?
The median annual salary for Molecular and Cellular Biologists in the US is $93,330. The middle 80% of workers earn between $49,790 and $154,320 annually. Entry-to-mid-career earners typically fall between $65,390 and $119,600.
What is the job outlook for Molecular and Cellular Biologists?
The role is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 63,700 workers.
How do I become molecular and cellular biologists?
The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Molecular and Cellular Biologists need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Critical Thinking, Science, Reading Comprehension, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Writing. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Molecular and Cellular Biologists?
Our AI-durability model gives Molecular and Cellular Biologists a score of 0.45 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Molecular and Cellular Biologists has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.