Key takeaways
- A biology degree can lead to careers in healthcare, research, environmental science, education, and more.
- Some biology careers are hands-on and field-based, while others focus on research and data.
- To choose a biology career that’s right for you, you’ll want to identify your interests, be hands-on, join clubs, factor in how much education you’ll need, research specific jobs, and even shadow professionals.
While many people may associate a biology degree with lab coats and microscopes, it isn’t limited to one career path. In fact, careers for biology majors can range from jobs in biotechnology and healthcare to forensics, conservation, education, and more. If you have decided to major in biology, you are sure to find several exciting careers for nearly every interest and skill set. Below are potential careers you could pursue with a biology major, along with their average estimated salaries.
Why major in biology?
If you are intrigued by the science of living things and how they interact with the world, then biology might be the degree for you. And what many students don’t realize is that biology is more than just a subject. It’s actually the foundation that supports many industries and careers. The best part about studying biology is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you like working alone or as part of a team, indoors or outdoors, with people, plants, animals, or the environment, biology might open more doors than you may expect.
Skills biology majors need
Biology majors acquire a wide range of technical and transferable skills that are valued by many different employers. Some of these key skills include:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Working independently and collaborating
- Organization
- Time management
10 careers for biology majors
Let’s take a look at some of the potential careers that you could pursue with a biology major. Some of these roles connect directly to a specific subfield of biology, such as microbiology or genetics. Others may require graduate school, certifications, or specialized programs. However, all of these careers start with having a solid foundation in biology. Here are 10 common careers for biology majors:
Note: Salary estimates are based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Program, 2024 data.
1.BIOLOGY TEACHER OR PROFESSOR
Median salary: $83,000
Choosing a career in teaching is a great way to pass your knowledge of biology on to future biology students. To teach biology at the high school level, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in science education, as well as a state teaching license. If you are interested in teaching biology at the college level, you will need to earn a doctorate to qualify.
Biology educators are responsible for:
- Giving lectures, tutorials, seminars, and practical demonstrations.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of student work.
- Creating lesson plans, instructional materials, and lab assignments.
2. BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN
Median salary: $52,000
Biological technicians specialize in performing data analysis through lab tests and experiments. These specialists are usually employed by pharmaceutical firms, the research and development sector of manufacturing companies, and non-profit research organizations.
Biological technicians are responsible for:
- Collecting data and samples to assist biological and medical scientists.
- Researching microbiological or chemical processes.
- Interpreting or recording research or operational data.
3. CLINICAL SCIENTIST
Median salary: $100,000
Becoming a clinical scientist is a great choice for someone who is curious and enjoys designing and running experiments. Clinical scientists work in hospitals, commercial or government laboratories, or higher education institutions.
Clinical scientists are responsible for:
- Conducting experiments and analyzing the results.
- Using studies to develop new products, processes, or applications.
- Planning biological research.
- Researching topics in their area of expertise.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Median salary: $80,000
There is a huge demand for environmental scientists, which is growing. If you are passionate about environmental conservation, this may be just the role for you. Not only will you be doing something you love, but you will get paid highly for it, too.
Environmental scientists are responsible for:
- Gathering data and conducting experiments.
- Studying how negative factors like pollution, natural disasters, and overpopulation affect natural resources, plants, animals, and the environment.
- Developing laws and regulations for the protection of natural resources.
5. FORENSIC SCIENTISTS
Median salary: $67,000
Forensic scientists specialize in analyzing evidence for DNA, organic matter, and other biological clues. They play a pivotal role in criminal investigations. Forensic scientists can specialize in two main branches: crime scene investigation or data analysis. Both divisions require a strong background in laboratory work and report writing.
Forensic scientists are responsible for:
- Collecting and analyzing evidence from a crime scene.
- Documenting evidence and recording it for legal proceedings.
- Interpreting and verifying scientific data.
6. GENETIC COUNSELOR
Median salary: $98,000
Genetic counselors are experts in the behavior of genes in living organisms. They use this knowledge to evaluate the genetic composition of individuals. They then educate others on the potential risks of transmitting genetic diseases or disabilities to their children.
Genetic counselors are responsible for:
- Maintaining a thorough knowledge of genomics, speciation, bacteriology, and human evolution.
- Understanding how to use advanced information systems and research methodologies to gather, measure, and assess genetic data.
- Explaining test results to patients or family members.
7. HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Median salary: $63,000
Health education specialists teach others about various health issues, especially public health concerns, such as healthy living, health management, and communicable diseases. Various healthcare facilities and healthcare companies employ them. A biology major sets a strong foundation and can give candidates an advantage over those without this background.
Health education specialists are responsible for:
- Demonstrating strong writing and interpersonal skills.
- Spearheading marketing strategies and public relations campaigns.
- Collecting information about the community’s health needs.
- Developing educational programs to address health issues.
8. Healthcare professionals
Median salary: Varies widely by role and education level
Whether you want to be a dietitian, nutritionist, radiologist, pharmacist, doctor, or dentist, these jobs typically start with earning a degree in biology. However, a four-year degree generally isn’t enough. You will also have to enroll in a specialty program to gain the knowledge and expertise in your particular field.
The duration of specialty healthcare programs differs widely, depending on the field you want to work in. While some specialties require just a few months of learning, others may require more extensive study. This might involve several years of graduate or professional school.
9. MICROBIOLOGIST
Median salary: $87,000
Microbiologists spend most of their time peering into microscopes and other advanced scientific equipment. They study microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and microscopic parasites. A microbiologist’s work is critical to the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Microbiologists are responsible for:
- Understanding the positive and negative effects of these microbes on our health, the environment, agriculture, and climate.
- Studying research and data to solve a range of issues that affect our health, such as diagnosing and controlling infections and diseases.
- Investigating the growth and development of microscopic organisms.
10. TECHNICAL WRITER
Median salary: $91,000
If you have a love of science and strong writing skills, you may be interested in the numerous opportunities you’ll find as a technical writer. Manufacturing companies hire technical writers to create easy-to-understand product manuals and instruction guides. Multi-lingual technical writers are also in demand to translate these manuals and guides. Writers with a biology background are in high demand at medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, and organizations focused on environmental issues.
Technical writers are responsible for:
- Editing and translating written materials into layman’s terms.
- Writing informational material.
- Compiling technical information to assist with writing.
How to prepare for a career in biology
To prepare for a career with a biology degree, check out these helpful tips:
- Identify your interests: With so much you can do with biology, find out what excites you and then take relevant classes that align with those interests.
- Be hands-on: Participate in labs, research projects, internships, fellowships—whatever you can find!
- Join clubs: Become a member of clubs that spark your interest. This can also open doors to future job opportunities.
- Factor in education requirements: Some biology careers require graduate or medical school, and knowing this early on can help you make informed decisions about your future.
- Research jobs thoroughly: Instead of focusing only on job titles, research the daily tasks to see if it’s something you’d enjoy long term.
- Job shadow: If a company is willing to let you shadow someone, it’s a great way to see for yourself whether the career is a good fit.
Is a biology degree worth it?
If you are someone who enjoys science and problem-solving, then a biology degree may be worth looking into. With roles in healthcare, research, environmental science, and education, there’s something for everyone. Take time to consider your interests and long-term goals to determine if this major is the right fit.
Curious where you can earn a biology degree? Use College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool to explore colleges and see which school is your best fit.
