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Molecular and Cellular Biologists Salary in San Jose, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Molecular and Cellular Biologists in San Jose, CA have a median annual salary of $133,790, with 610 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $81,280 at the 10th percentile to $217,240 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$133,790

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$64.32

Employment

610

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$81,280
10th
$101,670
25th
$133,790
Median
$170,690
75th
$217,240
90th

Local compared with national

San Jose, CA

$133,790

Median annual · 2025

United States

$98,920

Median annual · 2025

The San Jose, CA median is 35.3% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $34,870).

Top skills

  1. 1.ScienceImportance 4.8
  2. 2.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.4
  3. 3.WritingImportance 4.3
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.1
  5. 5.Active ListeningImportance 4.0
  6. 6.SpeakingImportance 4.0
  7. 7.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0
  8. 8.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0
  9. 9.Active LearningImportance 3.9
  10. 10.Learning StrategiesImportance 3.9
  11. 11.MathematicsImportance 3.8
  12. 12.MonitoringImportance 3.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Job zone
5

Technology used

  • AcaClone pDRAW32
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Agilent CGH Analytics
  • Agilent Technologies GeneSpring GX
  • Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST
  • Blast Output Browser BOB
  • C++
  • ClustalW
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • CRI-MAP
  • Delila
  • Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA libraries
  • EnzymeX
  • FASTA

Common tasks

  • 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.
  • Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
  • Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
  • Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
  • Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Molecular and Cellular Biologists salary in other locations

Other occupations in San Jose, CA