Synthetic biology is a field of science that involves designing and redesigning biological parts and systems, by applying engineering concepts to biological goals about biological systems.
The demand for such professionals is increasing, and an important question is how much synthetic biology engineers earn. 2025 Salary insights, hourly and monthly earning around the world (with countries and cities)
What Does a Synthetic Biology Engineer Do?
Synthetic biologists engineer artificial biological systems, like gene therapies or sustainable biofuels, using skills in molecular biology and engineering. Which is very highly valued in today’s job market due to their interdisciplinary expertise.
Synthetic Biology Engineer Salaries
Salaries differ based on years of experience, location and industry: Average annual, monthly and hourly (assuming 40 hours a week, 52 weeks per year) earnings for synthetic biology engineers in different countries and cities.
| Country | City | Annual Salary (USD) | Monthly Salary (USD) | Hourly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | San Francisco, CA | $130,000 – $160,000 | $10,833 – $13,333 | $62.50 – $76.92 |
| United States | Boston, MA | $115,000 – $150,000 | $9,583 – $12,500 | $55.29 – $72.12 |
| United States | Raleigh, NC | $90,000 – $110,000 | $7,500 – $9,167 | $43.27 – $52.88 |
| United Kingdom | London | $85,000 – $110,000 | $7,083 – $9,167 | $40.87 – $52.88 |
| United Kingdom | Cambridge | $80,000 – $100,000 | $6,667 – $8,333 | $38.46 – $48.08 |
| Canada | Toronto | $75,000 – $95,000 | $6,250 – $7,917 | $36.06 – $45.67 |
| Canada | Vancouver | $70,000 – $90,000 | $5,833 – $7,500 | $33.65 – $43.27 |
| Germany | Berlin | $70,000 – $90,000 | $5,833 – $7,500 | $33.65 – $43.27 |
| Germany | Munich | $75,000 – $95,000 | $6,250 – $7,917 | $36.06 – $45.67 |
| Australia | Sydney | $80,000 – $105,000 | $6,667 – $8,750 | $38.46 – $50.48 |
Note: Salaries are approximate, converted to USD for consistency, and reflect mid-level engineers with 3-5 years of experience. Entry-level may earn 10-20% less, while senior roles may earn 20-30% more.
Factors Influencing Salaries
- Grad degree: Entry-level engineers start their careers with lower packages, and Ph. D.s or niche skills get better pay.
- Location: Biotech hotspots such as San Francisco and Boston pay top salaries because of rich demand and high cost of living.
- Industry: More than academia (e.g., $55-$75/hour vs. $40-$50/hour for academia).
Beginner Guide
What Beginners Might Do at Work
As an intern, you might test small biology projects, assist in the creation of new medicines or grow plants in a lab. These occupations allow you to gain experience while collaborating with people. It’s an excellent way to get started and figure out what you enjoy.
How Long It Takes to Earn More
In 1-2 years — if you do a good job — you might be getting 10-20% more. If you begin with $70,000, for example, $77,000-$84,000. Once you hit 5 years, your salary can leap up to $90,000+ So become a learner, your salary will pay back!
Cost of Living in Cities
Where You Live Makes a Difference in How Far Your Money Goes You get paid more ($41-$48/hour) but rents and food are very expensive in San Francisco. In Raleigh pay is lower ($34−$41/hour), but life is cheaper. Choose a place that meets the requirements of your wallet.
Where to Find Jobs
You can search for jobs on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn or on company pages, like Amgen or Ginkgo Bioworks. These can be great opportunities to look for entry-level positions in synthetic biology.
Comparison with Other Jobs
Beginners in synthetic biology earn more than regular lab workers ($20-$30/hour) but less than software engineers ($50-$60/hour). It’s a solid middle ground for a science job with a future.
Why Salaries Are Different
Your salary adjusts by where you live and the field of employment. Big cities and countries like the U.S. offer more because they need engineers and living expenses are high.
Will Salaries Grow?
Yes! Synthetic biology is booming. This just means more companies are looking for engineers to implement their new ideas, so jobs and payment will continue to rise.
How Much Do Beginner Synthetic Biology Engineers Earn in U.S. Cities?
If you’re starting as a synthetic biology engineer in the United States, your pay depends on the city you work in. Here’s a table showing how much beginners earn each year, month, and hour in different U.S. cities.
| City | Yearly Salary (USD) | Monthly Salary (USD) | Hourly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $85,000 – $100,000 | $7,083 – $8,333 | $41 – $48 |
| Boston, MA | $80,000 – $95,000 | $6,667 – $7,917 | $38 – $46 |
| Raleigh, NC | $70,000 – $85,000 | $5,833 – $7,083 | $34 – $41 |
| Seattle, WA | $80,000 – $95,000 | $6,667 – $7,917 | $38 – $46 |
| San Diego, CA | $75,000 – $90,000 | $6,250 – $7,500 | $36 – $43 |
| Austin, TX | $70,000 – $85,000 | $5,833 – $7,083 | $34 – $41 |
| New York, NY | $85,000 – $100,000 | $7,083 – $8,333 | $41 – $48 |
| Chicago, IL | $70,000 – $85,000 | $5,833 – $7,083 | $34 – $41 |
Note: These are average salaries for beginners with a basic degree and no experience. Hourly pay is based on a 40-hour week, 52 weeks a year.
How Much Do Beginner Synthetic Biology Engineers Earn in Canadian Cities?
If you’re starting as a synthetic biology engineer in Canada, your pay depends on the city you work in. Here’s a table showing how much beginners earn each year, month, and hour in different Canadian cities.
| City | Yearly Salary (USD) | Monthly Salary (USD) | Hourly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto, ON | $60,000 – $75,000 | $5,000 – $6,250 | $29 – $36 |
| Vancouver, BC | $55,000 – $70,000 | $4,583 – $5,833 | $26 – $34 |
| Montreal, QC | $55,000 – $65,000 | $4,583 – $5,417 | $26 – $31 |
| Ottawa, ON | $58,000 – $70,000 | $4,833 – $5,833 | $28 – $34 |
| Calgary, AB | $55,000 – $68,000 | $4,583 – $5,667 | $26 – $33 |
| Edmonton, AB | $54,000 – $65,000 | $4,500 – $5,417 | $26 – $31 |
| Quebec City, QC | $53,000 – $63,000 | $4,417 – $5,250 | $25 – $30 |
| Halifax, NS | $52,000 – $62,000 | $4,333 – $5,167 | $25 – $30 |
Note: These are average salaries in USD for beginners with a basic degree and no experience. Hourly pay is based on a 40-hour week, 52 weeks a year. Salaries are converted to USD for consistency.
Why Salaries Are Different
Changes to pay due to the city. The big cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, pay more due to science positions and a higher cost of living. People in smaller cities such as Halifax or Quebec City make less, but cost of living is lower as well.
How to Earn More
- Topics such as computer programming for biology.
- Go to city where there are plenty of science jobs.
- Do you have to learn more to obtain a better degree.
Also read: How Much Do Paramedics Make?
Job Outlook
The field is growing, with synthetic biology jobs growing faster than several STEM professions. By 2025, biotech and sustainability investments are driving job creation and competitive pay around the world.
How to Maximize Earnings
- Expertzier in areas in demand, such as gene editing.
- Relocate to biotech hubs.
- Which may include pursuing advanced degrees or certifications.
Conclusion
Depending on experience, a synthetic biology engineer makes $33 to $77 per hour or $5,833 to $13,333 per month, based on location. It’s a field where strong financial rewards are matched by the opportunity for innovation, whether in San Francisco or Sydney. Based in your surrounding area, find jobs to get started!
