Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Biologists
SOC: 19-1029 O*NET: 19-1029.04
Median Salary
$98,920
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.7%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
What does a Biologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$60,430
10th percentile
Early Career
$76,800
25th percentile
Median
$98,920
50th percentile
Experienced
$127,670
75th percentile
Top Earners
$168,010
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$60,430
25th
$76,800
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$98,920
Mean: $106,330
75th
$127,670
90th
$168,010
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $107,580 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $76,800 and $127,670
- •Salary spread is 51.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 55,850 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:59,600
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services36.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services36.4%
Scientific Research and Development Services28.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.7%
Annual Openings:4,300
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)59,600
Current
2035 (Projected)62,400
+4.7%
+2,800
Employment Change
+4.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Biologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
11,880 jobs$113,5301.82x
Maryland
4,970 jobs$121,6805.01x
Massachusetts
2,930 jobs$107,1002.24x
North Carolina
2,780 jobs$100,0701.56x
Washington
2,620 jobs$108,1102.05x
New York
2,520 jobs$104,1200.72x
Texas
2,480 jobs$80,8700.49x
Florida
1,920 jobs$83,7800.54x
Pennsylvania
1,810 jobs$100,7800.83x
Virginia
1,650 jobs$96,0301.11x
Illinois
1,300 jobs$82,6400.59x
Georgia
1,230 jobs$96,8200.70x
Missouri
1,120 jobs$63,2901.07x
Michigan
860 jobs$81,5400.54x
Colorado
850 jobs$93,9700.82x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Biology
100%
#2
Science
100%
#3
Written Comprehension
100%
#4
Reading Comprehension
94%
#5
Oral Comprehension
92%
#6
English Language
90%
#7
Writing
86%
#8
Oral Expression
82%
#9
Chemistry
80%
#10
Critical Thinking
80%
Skills Overview
Biology
advanced5.0
100%
Science
advanced5.0
100%
Written Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
advanced4.5
90%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Expression
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Biology
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Science
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Written Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Chemistry
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Inductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Biochemists and Biophysicists100%
5 shared skills
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Anthropologists and Archeologists82%
5 shared skills
Astronomers82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Biology
- ✓English Language
- ✓Chemistry
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Speaking
- →Education and Training
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Biology
- ✓English Language
- ✓Chemistry
- ✓Science
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Biology
- ★English Language
- ★Chemistry
- ★Science
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Biologists
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Biologists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Biologists professionals typically have a ICR Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Biologists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.78
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.36
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.35
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.17
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.16
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.13
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Dependability
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.3
Persistence
4.2
Analytical Thinking
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Independence
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Biologists.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Biologists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
797 program completions/year
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
744 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
677 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
605 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
539 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
524 program completions/year
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
512 program completions/year
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
507 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
498 program completions/year
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA
496 program completions/year
Folsom Lake College
Folsom, CA
494 program completions/year