Biologist

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Work Tasks

BIOLOGISTS study all aspects of living organisms and the relationships of animals, plants, insects, and microbes to their environment. They do research to advance knowledge of living organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and other infectious agents. They provide the building blocks needed to develop solutions to human health problems, and to preserve and repair the natural environment. They develop new drugs and medical treatments, increase crop yields, and protect and clean up the environment. They may specialize in marine or land plants and animals, birds, bacteria, fungi, etc.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $66,500 average per year ($32.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (18,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

A Ph.D. degree is usually required for BIOLOGISTS in independent research and for advancement to top administrative positions. A master's degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research, and management, inspection, sales, and service jobs. A bachelor's degree is adequate for some non-research jobs, such as biological technicians. In addition to required courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduate biological science majors usually study mathematics, physics, and computer science.