GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
Apply computational methods, statistics, and machine learning to large-scale biological data — genomics, proteomics, drug discovery. Work at biotech firms, pharma, hospitals, and academic research centers.
$75,000
Lower reported wage
—
Not available in our data
$145,000
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

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Create free account →BLS describes bioinformaticians as collaborators of biochemists; its PhD rule for independent biochemistry research is not universal for bioinformatics. [1]
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modernstates.orgCLEP Biology
3 credits · Biology & Science
$1,703
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CLEP Chemistry
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CLEP Natural Sciences
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CLEP Calculus
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U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
Mapped to Biological Scientists, All Other (19-1029). 4.7% growth; demand pulled by precision-medicine pipelines and AI drug discovery. Master's typical entry credential.
Annual median review, October 27, 2026: The stored BLS occupation includes a broader population than this specialty, title, or credential. No separate annual median for this role has been verified in the reviewed source, so the broader occupation median is not presented as its own. Sources: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oes_stru.htm . Existing employment and projection figures were not refreshed.
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Ask whether any internship, field placement, or supervised training in your chosen route is paid; arrangements vary. [1]
Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
Direct combined route; build both biology and computational depth. [1]
Build analyses that help researchers interpret genomic or other biological data. [1]
Biotech, pharmaceutical, hospital, and academic research teams. [1]
Usually full time; research milestones may require extra hours. [1]
Data quality, statistical uncertainty, and reproducibility require care. [1]
Advanced methods and research experience can lead to lead scientist or team roles. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.