Genetic Scientists

The starting salary for genetic scientists with a bachelor's degree hired by the federal government at the GS-5 entry level was $33,878 in 2024. For those with a master's degree, who qualified to start at the GS-7 or GS-9 levels, the beginning salary was $41,966 and $51,332, respectively. Doctoral degree holders who qualified to start at the GS-11 level earned $62,107.

In May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the median annual salary for biochemists (a category that includes genetic scientists) was $107,460. The highest paid, most experienced biochemists earned $175,790 or more a year. The lowest paid had annual earnings of $64,680 or less. Universities, which generally hire only biology professors (including those who specialize in genetic science) with doctoral degrees, offered mean annual salaries of $71,250.

Genetic counselors earned median annual salaries of $95,770 in May 2023, according to the DOL. Salaries ranged from less than $72,530 to $132,190 or more.

Benefits for genetic scientists depend on the employer; however, they usually include such items as health insurance, retirement or 401(k) plans, and paid sick and vacation days.