What Is the Average Salary of a Biotechnologist?

A biotechnologist is a scientist who studies biology and uses biological science and advanced technology to develop pioneering products to augment human health and society. Biotechnology has emerged as a good career option over the years. Students with a passion for biology and its practical applications in varied fields can pursue a career in biotechnology. However, if you are wondering about the earning potential in this field in India, we are here to guide you with a comprehensive summary of the salary that biotechnologists in India can expect.  Let’s start with understanding the role of a biotechnologist.

Who is a Biotechnologist?

A biotechnologist is a scientist and an expert in biological science. They use their knowledge and techniques of molecular biology to conduct research, develop technologies, and resolve complex scientific problems. Being an ever-growing field, biotechnology leads numerous scientific innovations. The field involves the application of biological principles and harnessing biomolecular and cellular processes to develop new technologies and products. The field of biotechnology in India is ever-growing and driven by innovation and research.

This dynamic industry offers wide career opportunities for candidates to avail of high-paying jobs.
 

What is the Salary of Biotechnologists in India in 2024?

The salary of candidates in the field of biotechnology varies depending on different factors like experience, location, skills and qualifications, company size, and more. Let’s analyze them one by one.

• Salary of Biotechnologists Based on Job Role

The designation of a biotechnologist plays a vital role in determining the salary of a biotechnologist. For instance, a microbiologist can earn an average salary of Rs 3 lakh, whereas a scientist in biotechnology can get paid up to Rs 8.8 lakhs on average.
 

• Biotechnologist Salary Based on Experience

The salary of a biotechnologist in India also depends on the experience gained by the candidates. Professionals in this field can earn an average salary of Rs 3.1 lakh per annum with 0-2 years of experience, while the same would be Rs 5.4 lakh with 4–5 years of experience.
 

• Salary of Biotechnologists Based on Top Companies

The salary also varies depending on the company. Organizations like Axis Technology, Dr. Reddy’s, Dr. Lal PathLabs, etc. pay an average salary of over Rs 2.2 lakhs – Rs 3 lakhs per annum to fresh candidates, which might increase with experience and other factors.
 

• Biotechnologist’s Salary Based on Departments

Based on the department, the salary of biotechnologists can range between Rs 0.3 lakhs to Rs 6.5 lakhs per annum. The average salary of a biotechnologist in research and development is around Rs 3.1 lakhs, whereas the same in the healthcare and life sciences department is Rs 2.5 lakhs annually.
 

• Salary of Biotechnologists Based on Qualifications

The more the qualifications, the better the salary package of a candidate in the field of biotechnology. Pursuing a PhD or a postgraduate degree can increase the potential of earning for these professionals.   

You may note that the abovementioned salaries are for reference purposes and might vary depending on different factors.

Highest Paying Job Roles in Biotechnology

• Biotechnology Research Scientists
• These scientists do research and development work to have breakthroughs in scientific technologies. The range of salary of a Biotechnology Research Scientist in India is between Rs 4 lakhs and Rs 11.5 lakhs with Rs 8.4 lakhs as the average salary per annum. 

• Biomedical Engineers

These professionals approve new equipment by conducting tests and installing equipment for easy diagnosis of patients. Biomedical Engineers in India can earn between Rs 1.3 Lakhs to Rs 6.2 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 3.5 Lakhs. 
 

• Senior Scientist in Biotechnology

These professionals are responsible for conducting experiments and evaluating data to support their research works. The salary of a Senior Scientist in India is between Rs 6 Lakhs to Rs 18 Lakhs with Rs 9.2 Lakhs as the average salary per annum.
 

• Bioinformatics Scientists

These professionals research and study molecular datasets like DNA, proteomics data, etc.

The salary of Bioinformatics Scientists in India is between Rs 3.5 Lakhs to Rs 51 Lakhs with Rs 9.6 Lakhs as the average annual salary. 
 

• Clinical Research Coordinators

These professionals oversee the daily activities of clinical trials for the analysis of data. Clinical Research Coordinator in India can earn between Rs 1.1 Lakhs to Rs 4.5 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 2.7 Lakhs.
 

• Environmental Engineer in Biotechnology

These professionals are responsible for designing systems for environmental protection and steering assessments to promote sustainable practices. The salary of an Environmental Engineer in India is between Rs 3 Lakhs to Rs 7.3 Lakhs with Rs 4.2 Lakhs average annual pay.
 

• Quality Control Analysts

They are responsible for maintaining quality standards for products and services. The salary of a QC Analyst in Biotechnology in India lies between Rs 2 Lakhs to Rs 5 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 3.4 Lakhs.
 

• Product Specialist in Biotechnology

These specialists are responsible for providing expertise on products and services to support the marketing and sales teams in an organization and to ensure customer satisfaction. Product Specialist salary in India is between Rs 3 Lakhs to Rs 21 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 8.3 Lakhs.
 

• Medical biotechnologist

Rs 1 Lakh to Rs 8.4 Lakhs is the range of medical biotechnologist’s salary in India with an average annual salary of Rs 2.8 Lakhs.

Source: AmbitionBox

Top Companies Hiring Biotechnologists in India

• Biocon Limited
• Cipla Limited
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd
• Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT)
• Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd
• Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco)
• National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
• Syngene International Ltd
• Strand Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd
• Serum Institute of India Ltd

Top Sectors Recruiting Biotechnologists in India

• Biopharmaceuticals 
• Research & Development
• Pharmaceuticals
• Vaccines, Biologics
• Life Sciences Research
• Government Research Institute
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Genomics & Personalized Medicine

Educational Criteria to Become a Biotechnologist

An aspirant willing to build a career in biotechnology must fulfill the educational qualifications and other eligibility criteria as mentioned below:

• Aspirants must pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• They can continue higher studies to complete a master’s degree in the field of biotechnology for better career prospects. They can also pursue PhD in a related field.
• They must also have the required skills.
• Getting internships is important for adding value to the career of a biotechnologist.

Conclusion

Biotechnology is a promising career option for students interested in this field. It offers challenging job responsibilities and good potential to earn better. If you are interested in pursuing a rewarding career in biotechnology, you must enroll in a UG or PG course. Amity University Online offers online courses in biotechnology and related fields. You can visit the portal to learn more.

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