Science
What you can do with Biology
Living systems, from single cells and DNA up to whole ecosystems and human health.
- Careers
- 33
- Early career
- $45,000
- Mid-career
- $83,000
- Growing fast
- 21 of 33
How these numbers work: A major does not have its own salary. Early and mid-career pay is what people who hold this degree earn at the start of their careers and midway through them. Career pay comes from the 33 careers a Biology degree commonly leads to, and counts everyone in those jobs, including people who have been doing them for thirty years. The two answer different questions, which is why they do not match.
64% of people with this degree go on to a graduate degree, so the higher-paying careers below usually mean more school after the bachelor's.
21 of 33 careers this degree leads to are projected to grow faster than average from 2024 to 2034. Of those, Dental Hygienist has the most openings, about 15,300 a year.
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33 careers this degree leads to
Psychiatrist
$281,870Diagnose and treat mental illness as a physician, combining psychotherapy, medication management, and medical insight.
- Middle half of workers
- $154,150 to $362,740
- Growth
- Faster than average
- Openings a year
- 900
Work-life66Remote2- Psychiatric Assessment
- Psychopharmacology
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Physician (Family Medicine)
$244,180Serve as the front line of medicine: diagnosing, treating, and coordinating lifelong preventive care for patients of every age.
- Middle half of workers
- $162,420 to $334,270
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 3,300
Work-life78Remote2- Clinical Diagnosis
- Patient Care
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
$236,590Plan and administer anesthesia and keep patients safe through surgery, one of the highest-paid advanced practice nursing roles.
- Middle half of workers
- $206,730 to $294,350
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 2,700
Work-life61Remote1- Anesthesia Management
- Critical Care
- Pharmacology
- Monitoring
Dentist
$170,950Diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth, and provide preventive dental care.
- Middle half of workers
- $125,710 to $224,040
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 3,900
Work-life62Remote5Satisfaction75- Oral Diagnosis
- Restorative Dentistry
- Patient Communication
- Manual Dexterity
Natural Sciences Manager
$167,220Lead research teams and R&D programs, translating between the lab and the organization.
- Middle half of workers
- $119,430 to $221,540
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 8,500
Work-life59Remote66- Research Program Management
- Scientific Judgment
- Budgeting
- Team Leadership
Pharmacist
$140,910Dispense prescription medications, counsel patients on drug interactions, and collaborate with physicians on optimal therapeutic plans.
- Middle half of workers
- $129,380 to $161,840
- Growth
- Faster than average
- Openings a year
- 14,200
Work-life55Remote10Satisfaction68- Pharmacology
- Drug Interaction Analysis
- Patient Counseling
- Medication Management
Optometrist
$136,570Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems and eye disease, prescribe corrective lenses, and manage ongoing eye health.
- Middle half of workers
- $109,400 to $165,120
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 2,400
Work-life72Remote1- Clinical Diagnosis
- Patient Care
- Critical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
Physician Assistant
$135,880Examine patients, diagnose illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans under physician supervision.
- Middle half of workers
- $120,670 to $163,980
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 12,000
Work-life42Remote10Satisfaction74- Clinical Assessment
- Patient Care
- Medical Diagnosis
- Pharmacology
Veterinarian
$130,100Diagnose and treat illness and injury in animals, from companion pets to livestock, and safeguard public health through disease control.
- Middle half of workers
- $101,460 to $166,120
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 3,000
Work-life68Remote1- Clinical Diagnosis
- Surgery
- Science
- Active Learning
Biochemist
$127,410Study the chemistry of living systems, driving discoveries in medicine, biotech, and agriculture.
- Middle half of workers
- $95,000 to $163,460
- Growth
- Faster than average
- Openings a year
- 2,900
Work-life52Remote8- Laboratory Research
- Protein Analysis
- Science
- Data Analysis
Biomedical Engineer
$109,370Combine engineering with biology to design medical devices, prosthetics, imaging systems, and the technology behind modern care.
- Middle half of workers
- $86,980 to $136,600
- Growth
- Faster than average
- Openings a year
- 1,300
Work-life57Remote67- Medical Device Design
- Biomechanics
- CAD Modeling
- Critical Thinking
Biomedical Scientist / Researcher
$103,410Conduct research to advance understanding of living organisms and develop medical treatments.
- Middle half of workers
- $79,840 to $139,380
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 9,600
Work-life65Remote35Satisfaction80- Laboratory Research
- Data Analysis
- Scientific Writing
- Cell Biology
Physical Therapist
$102,760Help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain through exercise and rehabilitation.
- Middle half of workers
- $86,160 to $121,160
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 13,200
Work-life62Remote15Satisfaction76- Patient Assessment
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise Prescription
- Anatomy
Occupational Therapist
$100,330Help patients develop, recover, and improve skills needed for daily living and working through therapeutic activities.
- Middle half of workers
- $82,510 to $116,670
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 10,200
Work-life62Remote12Satisfaction78- Patient Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Adaptive Equipment
- Rehabilitation
Genetic Counselor
$100,040Help patients and families understand inherited-condition risk, interpret genetic test results, and make informed medical decisions.
- Middle half of workers
- $88,900 to $116,140
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 300
Work-life63Remote51- Genetics
- Risk Assessment
- Counseling
- Active Learning
Biologist
$98,920Study living things and how they work, in labs, in the field and for agencies and industry.
- Middle half of workers
- $76,800 to $127,670
- Growth
- Slower than average
- Openings a year
- 4,800
- Research
- Lab Techniques
- Data Analysis
- Scientific Writing
Dental Hygienist
$98,100Examine patients for oral diseases, clean teeth, and provide preventive dental care and education.
- Middle half of workers
- $83,570 to $108,480
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 15,300
Work-life78Remote2Satisfaction75- Periodontal Care
- Patient Education
- Radiography
- Anatomy
Audiologist
$95,780Diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders, fit hearing technology, and help patients reconnect with sound.
- Middle half of workers
- $79,340 to $111,300
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 700
Work-life71Remote1- Audiologic Evaluation
- Hearing Aid Fitting
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Microbiologist
$87,990Study bacteria, viruses, and fungi to advance medicine, food safety, and biotechnology.
- Middle half of workers
- $67,100 to $122,350
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 1,700
Work-life57Remote8- Culturing Techniques
- Microscopy
- Science
- Critical Thinking
Epidemiologist
$87,220Track how disease spreads through populations and use that evidence to design the public health response.
- Middle half of workers
- $71,090 to $112,640
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 800
Work-life60Remote67- Study Design
- Biostatistics
- Data Analysis
- Critical Thinking
Respiratory Therapist
$82,280Assess and treat patients with breathing disorders, from premature infants to patients with chronic lung disease.
- Middle half of workers
- $74,520 to $98,730
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 8,800
Work-life52Remote3Satisfaction71- Ventilator Management
- Patient Assessment
- Cardiopulmonary Physiology
- Critical Care
Environmental Scientist
$82,220Conduct research and advise on protecting the environment and human health.
- Middle half of workers
- $64,490 to $107,970
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 8,500
Work-life68Remote42Satisfaction75- Environmental Assessment
- Data Analysis
- GIS
- Fieldwork
Radiologic Technologist
$80,110Perform diagnostic imaging examinations such as X-rays and CT scans, positioning patients and operating imaging equipment.
- Middle half of workers
- $64,810 to $98,750
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 12,900
Work-life60Remote3Satisfaction70- Imaging Equipment Operation
- Patient Positioning
- Radiation Safety
- Anatomy
Chiropractor
$79,200Treat musculoskeletal and spine conditions through hands-on adjustment and rehabilitation, typically in independent practice.
- Middle half of workers
- $60,070 to $105,050
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 2,800
Work-life80Remote1- Spinal Manipulation
- Patient Assessment
- Anatomy
- Communication
Zoologist / Wildlife Biologist
$76,780Study animals in the wild and the lab, informing conservation and how species and habitats are managed.
- Middle half of workers
- $61,180 to $96,100
- Growth
- Slower than average
- Openings a year
- 1,400
Work-life51Remote58- Field Research
- Species Identification
- Data Collection
- Science
Dietitian / Nutritionist
$76,400Turn nutrition science into practical food and lifestyle plans that prevent and manage disease for patients and communities.
- Middle half of workers
- $63,080 to $89,340
- Growth
- Faster than average
- Openings a year
- 6,200
Work-life71Remote3- Nutrition Assessment
- Counseling
- Meal Planning
- Critical Thinking
Conservation Scientist
$73,010Manage forests, rangelands, and natural resources so they stay productive without being destroyed.
- Middle half of workers
- $57,700 to $91,560
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 2,500
Work-life51Remote17- Land Management
- GIS Mapping
- Field Assessment
- Science
Forensic Science Technician
$72,060Collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes and labs to support criminal investigations.
- Middle half of workers
- $57,830 to $94,520
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 2,900
Work-life54Remote8- Evidence Collection
- Lab Analysis
- Chain of Custody
- Attention to Detail
Public Health Specialist
$64,070Develop programs and policies to improve community health outcomes and prevent disease.
- Middle half of workers
- $50,620 to $87,130
- Growth
- Faster than average
- Openings a year
- 7,900
Work-life65Remote55Satisfaction72- Health Education
- Epidemiology
- Program Planning
- Data Analysis
Medical Laboratory Scientist
$62,930Perform complex tests on patient samples to detect, diagnose, and monitor diseases.
- Middle half of workers
- $47,650 to $81,450
- Growth
- Slower than average
- Openings a year
- 22,600
Work-life65Remote8Satisfaction68- Laboratory Techniques
- Quality Control
- Hematology
- Microbiology
Medical Laboratory Technician
$62,930Run the routine lab tests behind diagnosis and treatment, working under medical laboratory scientists.
- Middle half of workers
- $47,650 to $81,450
- Growth
- Slower than average
- Openings a year
- 22,600
Work-life72Remote1- Specimen Processing
- Lab Instrumentation
- Quality Control
- Science
Biological Technician
$57,510Run the experiments, samples and equipment that keep biology and medical research labs going.
- Middle half of workers
- $48,130 to $71,520
- Growth
- About average
- Openings a year
- 9,100
- Lab Techniques
- Record Keeping
- Equipment Operation
- Attention to Detail
Veterinary Technologist
$47,380Run lab tests, assist in surgery, and provide nursing care for animals under a veterinarian's direction.
- Middle half of workers
- $38,910 to $57,650
- Growth
- Much faster than average
- Openings a year
- 14,300
Work-life68Remote1- Laboratory Testing
- Animal Handling
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
Related majors
Set on Biology?
Save it as your major and PlanexAI will shape your dashboard, career matches, and study plan around it.
Where these pay figures come from
Early and mid-career pay is the median annual wage of full-time workers who hold a bachelor's degree in that major, ages 22 to 27 and ages 35 to 45, from 2024 data. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (IPUMS). Published as Outcomes by Major by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Career pay is the annual wage of everyone working in that occupation, not only recent graduates, so it includes people who have done the job for decades. The middle half is the 25th to the 75th percentile. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).
All figures are national. What you earn depends on where you work, who you work for, and how far you take the degree.