Biotechnology salary: This is how your payslip can look

What can you expect in salary as a newly graduated biotechnologist? And how do your educational direction and industry affect your salary opportunities? In this article, we dive into starting salary, salary development, and career paths for biotechnologists.

Table of contents

Completed education in biotechnology: What can you expect in salary?
Biotechnology salary: This is how the salary calculator works
Biotechnology education: Salary and career opportunities for students
How does a master’s degree in biotechnology affect your salary and career?
Different educational institutions, different titles
Considering studying biotechnology?

IDA’s salary calculator

Completed education in biotechnology: What can you expect in salary?

All salary rates in this article are based on average salaries for newly hired professionals in your field. Since all the figures in the article are only averages, you should only view them as indicative of what you can expect as a newly graduated biotechnologist in terms of starting salary. Especially because the focus of your biotechnology education can vary. For example, you can both take an engineering degree in biotechnology and a more research-oriented direction if you take a biotechnology degree at Copenhagen University.

Besides the salary level, there are other things worth considering – for example, is pension included in your salary or not? And if you get a job in the public sector, you will typically be covered by a collective agreement. Collective agreements in the public sector often ensure fixed salary steps and annual salary increases based on seniority and qualifications.

According to IDA's salary calculator, as a newly graduated cand.scient – with a career direction in biotechnology in the pharmaceutical industry – you can expect an average monthly salary of 49,500 DKK in 2025 nationwide.

IDA’s salary calculator IDA's salary statistic

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Biotechnology salary: This is how the salary calculator works

How do we calculate the salary rates in this article? The expected salary in IDA's salary calculator is based on a specific industry and a specific geographical area, which the salary is regulated according to. Furthermore, the output is based on IDA's salary statistics, which collect salary data from privately employed members and self-employed individuals. These data are projected with 2.0% annually, corresponding to the development in IDA's recommended starting salary.

Below, you get a quick overview of the average salary development in the period 2024-2026 for a biotechnology profile, both for a civil engineer and a cand.scient. We make this comparison because you can become a biotechnologist as both a cand.scient and an engineer, and the salary varies accordingly. Both profiles are calculated based on a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Cand.scient

Biotechnology education: Salary and career opportunities for students

When you choose to study biotechnology, you open the doors to many exciting career opportunities. The education provides you with skills in development and production, where biotechnological processes are involved. You can find jobs in industries such as medicine, food, environment, and energy.

Aalborg University, Aarhus University, and the University of Copenhagen all offer biotechnology programs that can lead to various positions in research, development, production, and quality control.

The salary for newly graduated biotechnologists varies depending on geographical location, industry, but also specializations and the specific education you have chosen.

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How does a master's degree in biotechnology affect your salary and career?

A master's degree in biotechnology can have a significant impact on both your salary and career. What you can expect based on the recommended minimum salary for graduate students is, of course, also taken into account when negotiating your starting salary. Conversely, you can expect a lower starting salary if you have a bachelor's degree or diploma in biotechnology.

A master's degree in biotechnology opens the doors to many exciting job opportunities in research, development, production, and quality control. You will gain a deeper understanding of how your education can shape your career path and salary expectations by pursuing a master's degree.

With a solid educational background and extensive higher education, you will likely find it easier to negotiate an attractive salary and secure a strong position in the job market.

From bachelor to master’s – what you need to know

Different educational institutions, different titles

When you consider a degree in biotechnology, there are differences in the various titles and educational institutions. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) offers, for example, a Master of Science in Engineering in Biotechnology, where you can specialise in areas such as medicine, environment, and food. This degree gives you the title of Master of Science in Engineering and opens doors to many career opportunities.

Aarhus University (AU) also offers a Master of Science in Engineering in Biotechnology, which combines biology, chemistry, and engineering. This degree provides you with a solid engineering background with a focus on biotechnological processes.

Copenhagen University (KU) offers a Master's degree in Biotechnology, which focuses on the development of environmentally friendly solutions and sustainable products. This degree provides you with a deep understanding of biotechnological applications and is more research-based.

Aalborg University (AAU) offers Master of Science in Engineering degrees in Biotechnology with a focus on sustainable technology and bioinformatics. These degrees particularly give you the opportunity to work internationally and in research-intensive environments.

We recommend that you read the educational institutions' websites for more information.

Considering studying biotechnology?

If you are considering studying biotechnology, there are many exciting opportunities and career paths ahead of you. Biotechnology is a constantly evolving field where you can work with everything from medicine and environmental technology to food production and bioinformatics. As a trained biotechnologist, you can contribute to the development of new medicines, sustainable energy solutions, and innovative foods.

It is important to consider which type of biotechnology education best suits your interests and career goals. There are different specialisations, such as medical biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and environmental biotechnology, each with its own focus areas and job opportunities.

Additionally, you should think about which universities offer the best programs within your desired specialisation and career path. Some universities have strong research environments and collaborations with industry, which can provide you with valuable practical experiences and networking opportunities.

Other similar degrees that may be relevant to you include biochemistry, medicine, physics, science, and mathematics. These degrees also offer exciting career opportunities and can provide you with a wide range of skills that are in demand in the job market.

We hope this article was helpful. You are always very welcome to contact us for professional career advice.

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Our advice can help you.

Our professional career counseling is always ready to help you with questions regarding your upcoming time as a recent graduate.

If you are fortunate enough to have found a job, it might be a good idea to have your contract reviewed. That is what we, as your union, help you with

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