Biology Careers in the USA: Salaries, Jobs, Skills & Career Paths
Biology Careers in the USA: Salaries, Jobs, Skills & Career Paths
Thinking about a career in biology? A biology degree can lead to much more than laboratory work. In the United States, biology graduates can build careers in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, microbiology, environmental science, education, public health, research, and several other fields.
This guide explains some of the most popular biology careers in the USA, typical education requirements, salary information, important skills, and possible career paths for biology graduates.
What Can You Do With a Biology Degree in the USA?
A biology degree provides a foundation in living organisms, genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, evolution and laboratory science. Depending on your interests and level of education, you can enter laboratory, research, healthcare, environmental or education-related careers.
Some careers require only a bachelor's degree, while advanced research and many professional healthcare careers require a master's degree, Ph.D., medical degree or another professional qualification.
Best Biology Careers in the USA
| Career | Typical Education | 2024 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientist | Doctoral or professional degree | $100,590 |
| Biochemist / Biophysicist | Doctoral or professional degree | $103,650 |
| Microbiologist | Bachelor's degree | $87,330 |
| Agricultural & Food Scientist | Bachelor's degree | $78,770 |
| Zoologist / Wildlife Biologist | Bachelor's degree | $72,860 |
| Biological Technician | Bachelor's degree | $52,000 |
Salary figures are U.S. national median annual wages reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, employer, experience, specialization and education.
1. Medical Scientist
Medical science is one of the most research-focused career paths for biology graduates. Medical scientists conduct research related to human health, diseases, treatments and biological processes.
Medical scientists may work in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, universities, hospitals, research organizations and government institutions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical scientists was $100,590 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow by 9% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Useful skills
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Laboratory techniques
- Data analysis
- Scientific writing
- Research methodology
2. Biochemist or Biophysicist
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles behind living organisms and biological processes.
This career can be particularly interesting for students who enjoy the combination of biology, chemistry, molecular science and laboratory research.
The BLS reports a 2024 median annual wage of $103,650 for biochemists and biophysicists. Employment is projected to grow by about 6% between 2024 and 2034.
Advanced research positions commonly require a doctoral or professional degree.
3. Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae. Their work can contribute to medicine, pharmaceutical development, food safety, environmental protection and public health.
Microbiology is an attractive option for biology graduates who enjoy laboratory work and microorganisms.
According to the BLS, microbiologists had a median annual wage of $87,330 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow by 4% from 2024 to 2034.
Microbiologists work in research laboratories, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, government organizations, testing laboratories and academic institutions.
4. Agricultural and Food Scientist
Biology graduates interested in plants, food, agriculture and biotechnology can explore agricultural and food science careers.
These professionals may work on food quality, food safety, agricultural productivity, crop science, animal science and research.
The median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $78,770 in May 2024, according to the BLS. Employment is projected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034.
5. Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
If you are fascinated by animals, ecosystems and biodiversity, zoology and wildlife biology can provide a different career path after studying biology.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and their interactions with ecosystems. Depending on the position, their work can include laboratory research, field studies, conservation and data collection.
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $72,860 in May 2024.
A bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, while advanced research positions commonly require graduate education.
6. Biological Technician
Biological technicians support biological and medical scientists in laboratory and research environments.
Their responsibilities can include preparing laboratory equipment, collecting samples, conducting experiments, recording observations and helping researchers analyze results.
This can be a useful entry-level pathway for graduates who want to gain practical laboratory experience before pursuing advanced education.
Biology Degree Careers Beyond the Laboratory
A common misconception is that biology graduates can work only in laboratories. In reality, biology can be a foundation for many different career directions.
Healthcare
Biology is a common undergraduate foundation for students who later pursue medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary or other healthcare careers.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology combines biology with technology to develop products and processes related to healthcare, agriculture, diagnostics, environmental science and research.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Biology graduates may find opportunities in pharmaceutical research, laboratory operations, quality control, clinical research and related areas, depending on their qualifications.
Environmental Science
Students interested in ecosystems, conservation and environmental protection can explore careers related to ecology, conservation biology and environmental research.
Education
A biology background can also lead to teaching and academic careers. Additional education credentials may be required depending on the role and state.
Does a Biology Degree Pay Well in the USA?
The answer depends heavily on your specialization, education level, industry and location.
According to the BLS field-of-degree data, people with a biology degree had a median annual wage of $75,000 in 2023. The same data shows that approximately 59% of biology degree holders had an advanced degree.
This is important because many biology graduates continue their education after completing a bachelor's degree. Graduate or professional education can qualify students for specialized careers that may have different earning potential.
What Skills Should Biology Students Develop?
A biology degree gives you scientific knowledge, but employers may also look for practical and transferable skills.
- Laboratory skills: Learn how to safely conduct experiments and handle laboratory equipment.
- Data analysis: Develop basic statistical and data interpretation skills.
- Scientific communication: Learn to explain scientific findings clearly.
- Research skills: Understand how to read scientific literature and evaluate evidence.
- Technology skills: Become comfortable with relevant laboratory software and digital tools.
- Critical thinking: Biology careers often require analyzing complex scientific information.
- Teamwork: Research and healthcare environments frequently involve multidisciplinary teams.
Bachelor's Degree vs Master's Degree vs Ph.D.
| Education | Possible Direction |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's in Biology | Laboratory, technician, environmental, education and entry-level life-science roles |
| Master's Degree | Specialized research, industry and advanced technical roles |
| Ph.D. | Advanced research, university careers and scientific leadership |
| Professional Degree | Healthcare and other licensed professional careers |
How to Choose the Right Biology Career
Start by identifying the part of biology you enjoy most.
- If you enjoy cells and molecular biology, consider biotechnology, biochemistry or medical research.
- If you enjoy microorganisms, microbiology may be a good direction.
- If you enjoy animals and ecosystems, consider zoology, wildlife biology or ecology.
- If you enjoy human health, explore medical science and healthcare pathways.
- If you enjoy plants and agriculture, consider plant science, agricultural science or biotechnology.
- If you enjoy teaching, education and academic careers may be worth exploring.
Is Biology a Good Career Choice in the USA?
Biology can be a strong career foundation, particularly for students who are interested in life sciences and are willing to develop specialized skills or pursue additional education.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth across several life-science occupations. For example, medical scientists are projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, while microbiologists are projected to grow 4% and agricultural and food scientists 6% during the same period.
However, a biology degree does not guarantee a specific salary or job. Career outcomes depend on education, experience, specialization, location, employer and the type of work you pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying biology careers in the USA?
Some higher-paying biology-related careers include medical scientist, biochemist and biophysicist, and specialized biotechnology or healthcare careers. Education and specialization have a major influence on earning potential.
Can I get a biology job with a bachelor's degree?
Yes. Some biology-related occupations accept a bachelor's degree, including microbiology and biological technician pathways. However, some advanced research and professional careers require graduate or professional education.
Is biology a good major in the USA?
Biology can be a useful major for students interested in healthcare, research, biotechnology, environmental science, education and other life-science fields.
How much does a biology graduate make in the USA?
The BLS reported a median annual wage of $75,000 for people with a biology degree in 2023. Individual salaries can be significantly different depending on occupation, experience, location, industry and education.
Do biology careers require a master's degree?
Not always. Some positions can be entered with a bachelor's degree, while advanced research and specialized careers may require a master's degree, Ph.D. or professional degree.
Final Thoughts
A biology degree can be the beginning of many different career paths in the USA. From microbiology and biotechnology to medical research, environmental science and healthcare, the field offers opportunities across science and industry.
The best strategy is to choose a biological specialization that matches your interests, develop practical skills, gain relevant experience and understand the education requirements for your target career.
For students planning a future in life science, biology is not just a subject—it can be a foundation for an entire career.
Sources
Salary and employment information in this article is based primarily on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and BLS field-of-degree data.
