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.
Bioinformatics Scientists
SOC: 19-1029 O*NET: 19-1029.01
Median Salary
$93,330
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Bioinformatics Scientists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$54,500
10th percentile
Early Career
$67,950
25th percentile
Median
$93,330
50th percentile
Experienced
$121,350
75th percentile
Top Earners
$159,780
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$54,500
25th
$67,950
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$93,330
Mean: $100,440
75th
$121,350
90th
$159,780
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $105,280 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $67,950 and $121,350
- •Salary spread is 57.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 59,710 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:63,700
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services36.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services36.2%
Scientific Research and Development Services26.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.2%
Annual Openings:4,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)63,700
Current
2034 (Projected)64,500
+1.2%
+800
Employment Change
+1.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Bioinformatics Scientists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
12,580 jobs$112,0101.80x
Maryland
5,220 jobs$115,7104.91x
North Carolina
3,020 jobs$97,0201.59x
New York
2,610 jobs$93,0700.71x
Pennsylvania
2,600 jobs$95,6401.12x
Texas
2,600 jobs$81,0200.48x
Massachusetts
2,450 jobs$101,1401.73x
Florida
2,380 jobs$65,0600.63x
Virginia
1,950 jobs$83,3701.24x
Washington
1,870 jobs$96,1201.37x
Georgia
1,520 jobs$91,8900.81x
Illinois
1,090 jobs$78,6000.46x
Minnesota
960 jobs$77,6500.85x
Colorado
900 jobs$96,6800.81x
District of Columbia
900 jobs$82,7603.28x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Science
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Writing
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
74%
#6
Active Listening
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Learning Strategies
40%
Skills Overview
Science
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Listening
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Science
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Learning Strategies
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Biochemists and Biophysicists100%
5 shared skills
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Anthropologists and Archeologists82%
5 shared skills
Astronomers82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Speaking
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Science
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Science
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Bioinformatics Scientists
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Bioinformatics Scientists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Bioinformatics Scientists professionals typically have a ICR Holland code and highly value independence
IInvestigative
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Bioinformatics Scientists
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.85
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.54
Persistence
CriticalPersistence
Importance Level4.51
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.49
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.48
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.45
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.5
Persistence
4.5
Integrity
4.5
Dependability
4.5
Independence
4.5
Achievement/Effort
4.4
Initiative
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Innovation
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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