Biologist

Your Fit

Income

$83K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Biologist?

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.

Sample job titles:

Biologist, Research Biologist, Research Scientist, Scientist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Biologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Biologist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Biologist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$65K per year	$83K per year	$104K per year	$128K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

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What does a Biologist do?

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.

Quick task list

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.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

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

Contributing to important scientific discoveries and advancements.
Working on diverse projects and constantly learning about new aspects of life sciences.
The opportunity to positively impact environmental conservation and public health.

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

Intrigued by the complexity and diversity of living organisms.
Detail-oriented and methodical in your approach to research and problem-solving.
Passionate about science and eager to contribute to our understanding of the natural world.
Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively on projects.
Committed to lifelong learning and staying current with scientific advancements.

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:

Participation in science clubs, fairs, or competitions.
Volunteering with environmental conservation organizations or programs.
Engaging 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 updated with scientific literature and participate in relevant workshops or seminars.

More resources

American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) - Offers resources and advocacy for advancing biological research and education.
Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) - Provides a platform for conservation professionals and students.
NatureServe - A source for authoritative conservation information on more than 100,000 plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Americas.
National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) - Offers resources and support for biology educators.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.