Job Description

A Biologist is a scientist who studies living organisms and their relationships to their environments. They research the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms.

Typical Preparation

Education: Bachelor's degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 3.9% (average)

Annual job openings: 4,800

Direct AI exposure: 32% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 44% of tasks

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $99K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$60K
per year
$77K
per year
$99K
per year
$128K
per year
$168K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $48K above the national average.

What does a Biologist do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Conducts research and experiments to study various aspects of living organisms.
  • Analyzes data and presents findings in scientific reports and papers.
  • Collaborates with other scientists and researchers on projects.
  • Educates others about biological science through teaching or public outreach.
  • Ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations in research practices.

Work environment

Biologists typically work in laboratories, offices, or in the field. They may be employed by government agencies, environmental organizations, research institutions, or educational establishments. Fieldwork can involve working in diverse and sometimes remote environments, while laboratory work often requires handling sophisticated equipment.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Marine Biology: Studying marine organisms and their ecological interactions.
  • Microbiology: Researching microorganisms and their effects on humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
  • Ecology: Examining the relationships between organisms and their environment.
  • Genetics: Studying genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
  • Botany: Focusing on plant biology, including structure, growth, reproduction, and disease.

Description

Biology is a broad field that encompasses the study of all forms of life, from the smallest microorganism to the largest ecosystem. Biologists play a crucial role in understanding the natural world and addressing challenges such as environmental conservation, public health, and sustainable development. Their work involves not only field and laboratory research but also data analysis, problem-solving, and extensive documentation.

Biologists must have a strong foundation in scientific principles, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to think analytically. This field requires patience and dedication, as research can be a lengthy process with complex challenges. Collaboration with other scientists and effective communication skills are also essential, as biologists often work in multidisciplinary teams and need to convey their findings to both the scientific community and the public.

The field offers a variety of career paths, each with its unique challenges and rewards. From conducting groundbreaking research and contributing to scientific understanding to teaching the next generation of scientists, a career in biology can be fulfilling for those passionate about understanding and preserving life in all its forms.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Biologist if you are...

Pros:

  • The satisfaction of contributing to meaningful scientific research.
  • Diverse career opportunities in various fields and specializations.
  • Potential to work in unique and exciting environments, both in the field and laboratory.

Cons:

  • Research can be time-consuming with a lot of trial and error.
  • Fieldwork can sometimes be physically demanding and require travel to remote locations.
  • The need for continual learning and adaptation to new scientific methods and technologies.

How to become a Biologist

Typical education

A career as a Biologist generally requires at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related field, which takes about 4 years. Advanced positions or research roles often require a master's degree or Ph.D.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Advanced courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
  • Mathematics, particularly statistics and algebra.
  • Environmental science to understand ecological principles and issues.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in science clubs, fairs, or competitions.
  • Volunteer with environmental conservation organizations or programs.
  • Engage in citizen science projects or nature-based activities.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.
  • Gain practical experience through internships or research assistant positions.
  • Consider specializing with a master's degree or Ph.D. in a specific area of biology.
  • Stay informed with scientific literature and participate in relevant workshops or seminars.

More resources

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