Biomedical scientist salary
How much do biomedical scientists earn?

Occupation and salary of a biomedical scientist in Germany

Biomedicine is a new field of knowledge that combines classical medicine and the life sciences. Biomedicine is therefore interdisciplinary. Unlike physicians, however, biomedical scientists primarily work in research laboratories. The main focus of biomedicine is molecular and cell biological research, which deals with influences on diseases. Although the biomedical professional is relatively young, it promises good future prospects: Finding new and more effective treatments for diseases is more relevant than ever before. New drugs are frequently approved, but the need for further scientific research remains. Biomedicine makes a significant contribution in this area. Biomedical scientists research the causes of serious diseases such as cancer. On the basis of this work, new treatment options can be developed to improve the treatment of previously incurable diseases.

As biomedical scientists are mainly active within university research institutions, the majority are paid on the basis of pay scales. However, there are also opportunities in the private sector, for example in the pharmaceutical or biotech sector. Salaries are sometimes higher here than at universities and research institutes. According to a report from gehaltsvergleich.com, biomedical technicians earn an average of EUR 3,631 gross per month. The lower limit is EUR 2,674. High earners can earn EUR 5,181 or more. Similar findings about biomedical salaries have been published by mystipendium.de. According to this report, salaries range from EUR 3,000 to EUR 6,000 gross per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

Starting salary for biomedical scientists

Specialists in the field of biomedicine are currently urgently required in the labour market. Salaries in this field are correspondingly high. However, factors such as the applicant's degree, the area of work and the size of the company also determine the level of income. If you want to work as a biomedical scientist, you have a choice of several different industries. However, salaries vary considerably. 

In addition to the industry, the applicant's degree and size of the employer are particularly important factors for the starting salary. Those starting their career with a bachelor's degree not only receive a lower salary but also have fewer job prospects. In institutions such as universities or research institutes where a system of pay scales is used, a bachelor's graduate can expect to start on EUR 2,800 to EUR 3,400 gross per month. In the private sector, salaries vary greatly and depend on whether the company is a large group or, for example, a small start-up.

Applicants with a master's degree have significantly better prospects, as they already have a certain degree of specialization. According to the collective agreement of the civil service of the federal states (pay grades 13 to 14), the monthly starting salary is therefore around EUR 3,800 to EUR 4,100 gross. Depending on the employer and the scope of activity, starting salaries in the private sector vary widely.

Job prospects for biomedical scientists with a doctorate are significantly better and are associated with a further increase in salary, as biomedical scientists with a doctorate are more likely to be classified into higher salary groups than Master’s graduates. The majority also already have managerial experience, which means that they are generally eligible for more responsible posts in companies that pay them a higher salary.

Biomedical scientists with professional experience: How the salary increases

The income of a biomedical scientist in the public sector is tied to set pay scales. This means that the salary automatically increases during employment. A full-time biomedical scientist with a bachelor's degree can earn between EUR 3,100 and EUR 3,800 gross per month after one year, between EUR 3,700 and EUR 4,800 after six years, and approximately EUR 4,000 to EUR 5,350 after 15 years. Salaries are significantly higher with a Master’s degree or doctorate. After six years in the pay grades 13 to 14, the salary for those with higher degrees increases to around EUR 4,900 to EUR 5,200 gross per month, and after 15 years to around EUR 5,800. In the private sector there is no automatic wage increase, however. Salary increases usually come about when changing jobs, being promoted within the company or as a result of salary negotiations. However, the amount that can be earned in the private sector is particularly dependent on the size and turnover of the company. Studycheck.de estimates the monthly salary for biomedical scientists in the private sector at around EUR 5,000 gross.

Those who acquire additional qualifications in other areas, such as science management or the media, can also increase their salary. In parallel to their professional experience, the salary of biomedical scientists increases particularly quickly in the field of science management, according to a health news portal. This also applies to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Biomedical scientists who accept management positions and personnel responsibility can significantly increase their salary.

Those who aim to earn more as a biomedical scientist can apply for a leadership position with personnel responsibility. In the public sector, it is possible to qualify for pay scale 15 with appropriate responsibilities, which may result in monthly salaries of around EUR 4,500 to EUR 6,500 gross, depending on professional experience. Managers are also in great demand in the private sector. No accurate figures are available, but applicants can expect to earn about EUR 5,000 to EUR 6,000 gross per month (with potential to rise even further), in line with other branches of biology. Prerequisites in this area usually include a doctorate in addition to excellent social skills and teamwork. Fluent German and English are often also required. 

Regional salary differences for biomedical scientists

Regional differences should also be taken into consideration when searching for a position as a biomedical scientist. If applicants are able to relocate, they may be able to significantly increase their salary by moving to a different region under certain circumstances.

Salaries for doctoral students in biomedicine in Germany

Doctoral students in biomedicine work at a university or non-university research institution. The doctoral salary in both areas is also based on pay scales. The advertised doctoral positions usually specify pay grade 13, level 1. 

Another way to finance a doctorate may be to apply for a scholarship. Scholarship holders benefit from greater opportunities at universities, as the university does not need to pay them a salary. A disadvantage, however, is that there are no social benefits: With no salary - because a scholarship does not count as such - the student receives no pension contributions or unemployment insurance, so they are at risk of financial difficulties if the doctorate takes longer than provided for by the scholarship. However, if the student has a scholarship, they can also apply for a doctoral prize from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. The Scholarship Foundation annually awards the doctoral prize to two young researchers for outstanding dissertations. The prize money is EUR 5,000.

Research in biomedicine: How are salaries regulated in Germany?

Those who have successfully completed a degree in biomedicine can work as a researcher at a university or a research institution - such as the Max Planck Society. Researchers should also aim towards gaining a doctorate after completing their Master’s degree. This will significantly increase their opportunities in the field of research. They will also become eligible for positions of responsibility with corresponding salaries. By doing internships during their studies, prospective biomedicine specialists can focus on specific branches of research and then work at a university as research associates. Excellent English skills are very important in the field of biomedicine, as the main language of communication in many labs is English. Gaining experience abroad while studying are therefore highly recommended.

The salaries of postdocs, academic staff and government research institution employees are also governed by the civil service collective agreements. Salaries at universities are usually based on TV-L (the collective agreement of the federal states) and research institutes on according to TVöD (the federal collective agreement). Although there are no major differences, salaries for federal employees are slightly higher. Master’s and PhD graduates are classified in pay grades 13 to 15, depending on their qualifications and area of work. The salary for professorships and junior professorships is based on a separate salary scheme, the three-level W salary. The salaries in W1 are intended for junior professors, while the salary groups W2 to W3 apply to all other professors. It is also important to note that universities of applied sciences mainly advertise W2 professorships, while there are more W3 professorships at universities. The salaries paid at the respective grades are shown in the following table (the values may vary slightly depending on the federal state).