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Bioinformatics Scientists

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeLower pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $98,920 Median per year · $47.56/hr Most earn $60,430–$168,010

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
  • Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
  • Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
  • Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
  • Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
  • Instruct others in the selection and use of bioinformatics tools.

Job outlook

United States
5% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 4,300 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Federal government, excluding postal service35.4%
  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences25.9%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools10.8%
  • Management, scientific, and technical consulting services4.8%
  • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing3.7%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Bioinformatics Scientist is not an entry-level job. Most people earn a bachelor's degree, often work in a technician role for a few years, and then complete a doctoral degree, so the full path usually takes 10 or more years after high school.

  1. Bachelor's degree in biology, computer science, or bioinformatics

    4 years

    You build a base in biology, genetics, statistics, and programming, which you need for the research work that comes later.

  2. Bioinformatics Technician

    2-4 years

    You run data-analysis pipelines, manage genomic databases, and support research teams, which builds the hands-on experience employers look for.

  3. Doctoral degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field

    4-6 years

    You do original research and learn advanced algorithm design and data methods, which prepares you to lead your own projects.

  4. Bioinformatics Scientist

    1-3 years after the doctorate for many people

    You design algorithms and databases and analyze biological data to answer research questions in areas like pharmaceuticals, medical technology, or biotechnology.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on larger projects, mentor junior scientists, and make more decisions about research direction and methods.

  2. Bioinformatics Director

    5-10 years of experience first

    You manage teams and budgets, set the strategy for a whole group, and work with leaders in science and business to plan projects.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, chemistry, and statisticsThese classes give you the science foundation and the data skills that bioinformatics relies on.
  • Take computer science or learn to codeProgramming, especially in Python, is central to analyzing biological data, so starting early helps a lot.
  • Do a science fair project with dataAnalyzing a dataset and presenting your findings shows you can work through a research question from start to finish.
  • Join a science, robotics, or coding clubClubs give you teamwork practice and a chance to build projects that show your skills.
  • Look for a summer job or volunteer position in a lab or hospitalEven a short role helps you see how research works and builds experience for your résumé.

In college

  • Major in bioinformatics, computational biology, or biology with a computer science or statistics minorThis combination covers both the biology and the data skills that employers and graduate programs look for.
  • Join an undergraduate research labWorking on real research teaches you how to design experiments and analyze results, and it can lead to strong recommendation letters.
  • Learn Python, R, and Linux command-line toolsThese are the everyday tools for handling large biological datasets, and job ads often ask for them.
  • Seek a summer internship at a biotech company, hospital, or university labAn internship gives you industry experience and helps you decide whether to pursue a doctorate.
  • Get involved with a student science or coding clubClubs help you network with peers and mentors and let you work on team projects outside of class.

Tips for getting started

  • Learn Python or R and get comfortable with the command line early. These are everyday tools in bioinformatics, and you can practice them with free public biological datasets.
  • Look for undergraduate research positions in a biology or computer science lab. Research experience matters a lot when applying to doctoral programs and for technician jobs.
  • Check the pay and job details for this career and for the related careers on your results page. You'll see typical pay near you and nationally, plus the full range, before you make decisions.

Related jobs that often lead here

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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