ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biologist Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$173,912/yr
Typical range: $158,759 – $191,688
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biologist salary by experience level in New York
Biologist Salary Progression in New York
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $83,736 | $6,978 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $105,636 | $8,803 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $121,095 | $10,091 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $137,842 | $11,487 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $173,912 | $14,493 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $201,738 | $16,812 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $208,695 | $17,391 | +149% |
Current Salary
$173,912
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $84/hr
Next Level Target
$201,738
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biologist salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Biologists in New York, NY earn approximately $174K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biologist make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $174K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $84/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biologist in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biologist in New York, NY earns $159K–$192K/yr.