The field of genetics is becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason! If you are considering a career in genetics, you should be curious about the many subsections that have created niches under it. Many aspiring geneticists wonder how much their future jobs will pay and what the different disciplines entail.
Genetics is a continually evolving field, and we’re all racing to stay up-to-date with its ever-changing new disciplines. This article will cover the essential aspects of high-paying jobs in genetics, including their descriptions, requirements, and average salaries. Keep reading!
1. Bioinformatician
- Average Salary: $131,490 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 50 bioinformatics jobs are available on
Bioinformatics is a sub-niche of genetics that serves as an intersection of computer technology and science. It involves collecting and studying biological and biochemical genomic data at the cellular and molecular levels of DNA and RNA.
Bioinformaticists, also called bioinformaticians, store and manage the collected information in large databases, then develop methods for analyzing the information in it using computer hardware, software, and complex algorithms.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the pay in information research science fields will grow at 22% in the next ten years, a level much faster than average.
Requirements for a Career in Bioinformatics
- A bachelor's degree in biology, bioinformatics, computer science, chemistry, statistics, or a life sciences field.
- A master's degree in bioinformatics, genetics, pharmacology, or a specialized field involving biological sciences and statistics, database management, or computer science.
- A doctorate in bioinformatics, research work, and a postdoctoral research fellowship to gain real-world work experience.
2. Genetic Engineer
- Average Salary: ranges from $82,000 to $251,000, depending on experience levels.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 13 genetic engineering jobs are available on
Genetic engineering is a novel aspect of genetics that studies the genetic make-up of simple and complex organisms intending to understand how they may safely alter their genomes and improve them.
The engineers do this by isolating parts of interest in the massive framework of genes in the specimen organism and using technology to change them in numerous ways, including:
- Gene splicing
- Gene deletion
- Gene insertion
- Gene rearrangement
- Gene altering
- Artificial gene synthesis
Requirements for a Career in Genetic Engineering
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, bioengineering, molecular genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or biotechnology.
- A master's degree in genetic engineering.
- A Ph.D. in genetic engineering.
- An undergraduate or postgraduate internship to gain work experience.
3. Life Science Research Specialist
- Average Salary: range is from as low as $55,000 to $160,000.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 43 life science research jobs are available on
A life science research specialist, also called a life science specialist or life science research associate, is a professional who primarily plans and conducts experiments in life science fields. This role is a possible career path in genetics because genetics is a valuable life science research field.
As a life science research specialist focusing on genetics, you'll be responsible for conducting genetics experiments hands-on or overseeing the process. While properly conducting research is the primary task of the specialist, you will also be analyzing the data collected from the experiments and developing hypotheses based on the findings.
The research specialist will play a significant role in facilitating the processes:
- Reporting and presenting findings.
- Applying for research funding based on the work.
- Collaborating with other scientists.
Requirements for Becoming a Life Sciences Research Specialist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, or other biological and biomedical sciences.
- A research-based master's degree in genetics.
- A research-based Ph.D. in genetics.
4. Statistical Genetics
- Average Salary: $136,403.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3 statistical genetics jobs are available on
Statistical genetics is a discipline that focuses on the intersection between genome studies and the science of statistics. These scientists seek to understand the genetic make-up of organisms by building statistical models to represent and analyze genetic data.
This discipline is as closely related to computer software as it is to genetics. Statistical geneticists use computer-based algorithms and models to create simulations for data. These simulations are essential to help them, and other geneticists understand the basis of genetic effects like traits and diseases.
The US Bureau of Statistics projects a general increase of up to 33% in demand for statistics professionals such as statistical geneticists. Based on this information and the fast evolution of the field, the salary has high prospects of increase.
Requirements for Becoming a Statistical Geneticist
- A bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or population genetics.
- A master's degree in genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, or statistical genetics.
- A Ph.D. in statistical genetics.
- Postdoctoral research studies in statistical genetics.
5. Clinical Informatics Specialist
- Average Salary: $115,726 per annum.
- Workload: 93% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 273 clinical informatics jobs are available on
Clinical informatics specialists can also be an unconventional intersection between genetics and clinical medicine. These scientists work with bioinformaticians to absorb and process the large amount of clinical information received from patients, some of which will contain results of the study of their genes.
Due to its close relation to clinical practice, geneticists who delve into clinical informatics primarily use their studies' processed data to extract clinically relevant information. They analyze the information to focus on its medically actionable content and work with medical professionals to improve patient care.
Requirements for Becoming a Clinical Informatics Specialist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, health information management, computer science, or any field related to health and informatics.
- A master's degree in data science, information technology, or a healthcare informatics program.
- Relevant certification in health information administration.
6. Genetic Counseling
- Average Salary: $80,150 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 21 genetic counseling jobs are available on
A genetic counselor is a professional who bridges the complex science of genetics and patients who need non-technical genetic information. They collect patients' family history and help estimate their risk of inherited diseases. Based on this information, they can counsel them on adopting the healthiest possible lifestyle and managing their risks.
Requirements for Becoming a Genetic Counselor
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, social science, or any other life science field.
- A master's degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.
- Certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
7. Molecular Genetics Technologist
- Average Salary: $128,941 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3 molecular genetics technologist jobs are available on
Molecular genetics technologists are concerned with the hands-on laboratory work of extracting and studying human genetic material. By analyzing the material, the technologists help other scientists understand the role of genetics in essential human functions like the inheritance of traits and the occurrence of genetic abnormalities.
The areas of specialization of molecular genetics technologists include:
- Pathology
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Toxicology
- Genetics education
- Forensic medicine
- Clinical administration
- Immunology
- Laboratory quality control
Requirements for Becoming a Molecular Genetics Technologist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, chemistry, or a life sciences field.
- Work or volunteer experience in genetics technology.
- A certification program in a specialty of genetics technology.
- An optional master's degree in healthcare management or research.
8. Clinical Research In Genetics
- Average Salary: vary between $63,000 and $206,000.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3 genetic clinical research jobs are available on
Clinical research specialists are professionals who coordinate and supervise clinical research interventions that aim to learn more about diseases and treatment methods. They are also crucial in managing the latter parts of the research process, like analyzing and recording the findings from such trials.
Requirements for Becoming a Molecular Genetics Technologist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, nursing, health science, or any healthcare-related field.
- A master's degree in a healthcare research-related field.
- Hands-on experience in clinical research and conducting clinical trials.
- A doctoral degree in a healthcare research field.
9. Working In The Biomedical Industry
- Average Salary: ranges from $74,000 to $165,000.
- Workload: 93% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 149 biomedical jobs are available on
Biomedical scientists are professionals who investigate diseases and disorders through in-depth scientific investigation to understand, diagnose, treat and prevent them. A geneticist can undertake this career path to understand and apply biological processes in genomics and other areas of medicine.
Requirements for Becoming a Biomedical Scientist
- A bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or any healthcare science field.
- Optional internships or laboratory assistantship positions.
- A master's degree in biomedical science, public health, or other medical research fields.
- A doctoral or MD/Ph.D program in biomedical science.
10. Immunology Research
- Average Salary: ranges from $77,000 to $201,000.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 40 immunology research jobs are available on
Research immunology is a medical science branch investigating the human immune system and its operations. Immunologists may work as researchers or physicians to understand, diagnose, prevent and treat immunological disorders. A geneticist can undertake the career path of research focusing on immunogenetics or other sub-fields.
Requirements for Becoming a Research Immunologist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, pre-medicine, biology, public health, biochemistry, or any other healthcare field.
- A master's degree in allergy and immunology.
- A doctorate in immunology research.
- A medical degree following preclinical and clinical training at a medical school.
- Board certification and clinical residency training in immunology and other related specialties.
- A post-residency fellowship in allergy and immunology.
11. DNA Analyst
- Average Salary: ranges between $48,000 to $155,000.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 17 dna analyst jobs are available on
A DNA analyst is primarily responsible for analyzing genetic data from various body fluids to uniquely identify its source and create a profile for that person. This position is central to forensic analysis of crime scenes or paternity tests.
Requirements for Becoming a DNA Analyst
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, chemistry, criminology, or any field closely related to natural science.
- A master's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, forensic science, or other related fields.
- A doctorate in forensic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or analytical chemistry.
12. Medical Writer
- Salary: $35 per hour.
- Workload: 92% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 1,753 medical writer jobs are available on
A life sciences writer creates written content on various topics within the scope of life science subjects. The articles may target the general public or a technical audience of fellow scientists. Life sciences writers may work in publications and magazines in roles including:
- Public communications
- Technical writing
- Science journalism
- Technical editing
Requirements for Becoming a Life Sciences Writer
- A bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, biochemistry, or any life sciences field.
- A master's degree in science communication, communication engineering, or other life sciences fields.
13. Plant Geneticist
- Average Salary: $82,238 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 10 plant geneticist jobs are available on
Plant geneticists research the genetic make-up of plants. These studies' results help improve plant heredity and develop improved varieties for agricultural and botanical uses.
Requirements for Becoming a Plant Geneticist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, botany, biochemistry, or other fields of biological science.
- A master's degree in plant genetics.
- A doctorate in plant genetics.
14. Pharmacogenomics
- Average Salary: $72,927 a year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3 pharmacogenomic jobs are available on
Pharmacogenomics is the intersection of pharmaceuticals and genetics that involves studying the effect of human genes on medications. This science helps to create and administer the safest and most effective medications to different people based on their genetic make-up.
Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacogeneticist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biomedical science, pharmaceutics, or other healthcare fields.
- A master's degree in pharmacogenomics, clinical pharmacology, or other related fields.
15. Epidemiology
- Average Salary: $87,838 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 19 epidemiology jobs are available on
Genetic epidemiology is the intersection of the study of heredity and population. Epidemiology studies the effect of genes on the health of populations and the spread of diseases.
Requirements for Becoming a Genetic Epidemiologist
- A bachelor's degree in genetics, biostatistics, biomedical science, or other healthcare-related fields.
- A master's degree in public health, genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, or statistical genetics.
- A doctorate in statistical genetics.