Biology is an engrossing field to study and even make a profession out of – it is compelling to investigate the molecular makeup, physiological mechanisms, evolution, and physical structure of living organisms. And contrary to popular belief, there are occupations in this area that don’t confine you to a laboratory all day long.
With a career in biology, you could be working in many different settings, from hospitals to zoos; therefore, if you’re passionate about this subject, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make a living off of it.
The beginning of the first year of university or college is an exciting time for students as they start their journey into higher education. They are engrossed by all aspects of their biology major and are hopeful for the future. However, as the fourth year advances, many students wonder if there are careers available to them with their degrees – this can create fear and consternation for the future.
Biologists often worry that their career options are limited to jobs directly related to biology; however, this is not the case! There are plenty of careers that don’t involve the job title “biologist” that is still open to people with a biology degree. In fact, science isn’t even a requirement for many of these occupations! Below is a list of some of the many different careers available to biology degree holders.
Biologist
Average Income: $82530
Biologists are scientists who study living organisms, including humans, plants, animals, and bacteria; they use their knowledge to understand the relationships between these organisms and our environment. By doing so, biologists hope to improve our understanding of the natural world and find ways to protect it!
The aim of biologists is to have a better understanding of how the human body operates – by understanding how the body works, they can develop new treatments for diseases. Further, their findings can help to preserve natural resources. Biologists study everything from the smallest cells to the complex systems of the human body – in doing so, they hope to improve our quality of life and make a difference in the world.
Veterinarian
Average Income: $100370
A career as a veterinarian is a great option for animal lovers. As a vet, you will be responsible for diagnosing, testing, and treating various domesticated animals. You will also need to provide preventative healthcare. This job requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as you will be interacting with both clients and their pets on a daily basis.
A biology degree is the best way to prepare for veterinary school. If you’re studying at university at present and considering a veterinarian career, make sure to include animal science and chemistry coursework in your degree. Doing so will give you the best chance of success in your application to veterinary school.
Zoologist
Average Income: $64650
As someone who has seen The Lion King multiple times, you might feel inspired to help Simbas and other animals in the world. Therefore, a career in zoology could be perfect for you!
A zoologist studies animals and their ecosystems, learning about their behaviors and physical traits – they also research how humans can impact an animal’s natural habitat. If you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation, then a career in zoology could be very rewarding.
Botanist
Average Income: $66750
Botanists play an important role in studying and understanding the impact of environmental factors on plants. By conducting research and publishing their findings, they help raise awareness of the importance of protecting plant life.
Their work helps us to develop strategies for preserving our natural environment and ensuring that it can continue to support plant life. In addition, a botanist’s discovery of a new type of plant can have far-reaching implications for human health and well-being. By learning about the plant’s characteristics and potential uses, we may be able to develop new ways to use it for our benefit.
Registered Nurse
Average Income: $77600
As a biology degree holder, you have a wealth of knowledge at your disposal. Now is the time to put that knowledge to use in the real world! Working as a registered nurse alongside doctors and other medical care professionals is a great way to do just that.
Not only will you be able to help people in need, but you’ll also be able to gain valuable experience in the medical field. Therefore, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, nursing might be the perfect choice for you!
Phlebotomist
Average Income: $37380
Phlebotomists use venipuncture to get blood samples for transfusions, testing, and research. If you’re scared of needles or don’t like blood, then this job might not be for you.
If you’re okay with both of those things, then phlebotomy is a great job for new graduates. It’s a challenging and enriching career that helps people in a variety of ways. Plus, it’s always in demand, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a job.
Pharmacy Technician
Average Income: $36740
A biology degree can open up many doors in the field of pharmacy, including that of a pharmacy technician. Although you may need to complete a doctorate degree to become a pharmacist, a biology degree can give you the foundation you need for several different pharmacy-related careers. With a biology degree, you can enter this field with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful.
The pharmacy technician role is an opportunity to help pharmacists organize, measure, label, package, and dispense prescription medicines in a retail setting or hospital. This is a great way to learn more about pharmacy operations and to directly impact patient care.
Respiratory Therapist
Average Income: $61830
A respiratory therapist uses their knowledge of biology to help treat patients with respiratory problems. With extra training, respiratory therapists can provide care for patients suffering from acute or chronic respiratory conditions such as emphysema or asthma.
By using their biological background, respiratory therapists can develop treatment plans and offer support to help improve their patient’s quality of life.
High School Teacher
Average Income: $61820
If you’re looking for a stable career with great pay and benefits, teaching high school biology is a great choice. You’ll become the enemy of hundreds and thousands of teenagers all through your career, but the rewards are definitely worth it. With a little creativity and passion, you can make a huge difference in the lives of your students. So if you’re up for the challenge, go ahead and become a high school biology teacher!
Pharmacologist
Average Income: $95310
A pharmacologist’s job is to study the effects of drugs and other toxic substances on the human body; in order to do this, they must understand how these substances get absorbed into the body and what medical reactions they may cause. By learning about the effects of various drugs, pharmacologists can help to make sure that people stay safe when taking them!
Environmental Scientist
Average Income: $76530
An environmental scientist works to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, including public health, recycling, air pollution, and water conservation. They use their knowledge of biology, chemistry as well as engineering to create sustainable solutions that will have a positive impact on the environment and the people who live in it. They are committed to making a difference and strive to improve the quality of life for all.
These experts often partner with public policymakers to come up with plans that see to common problems. They also work with businesses to make sure they’re following government regulations or improving their own practices. This helps ensure that everyone is working together to create a better future.
Agricultural Technician
Average Income: $40430
As an agricultural technician, you would be responsible for setting up lab tools and machines and making sure they’re maintained and operational. You would also collect samples from animals and crops, prepare samples for recording data, and help scientists with experiments. This job combines working with nature and making use of your technical skills, making it a great option for people who are interested in both. Further, you get to learn new things and contribute to important research.
Quality Control Technician
Average Income: $49030
Quality control is of paramount importance for businesses in most industries, especially pharmaceuticals and food. With the economy becoming increasingly globalized, the demand for quality control technicians is skyrocketing. An effective quality control technician must be detail-oriented and have excellent problem-solving skills. They play a vital role in ensuring that products meet or exceed customer expectations.
Therefore, this is your chance to use a lot of your biology abilities in real-life circumstances by helping businesses assess the potency, quality, and purity of their products. Further, you can locate these positions in the public sector.
Biomedical Engineer
Average Income: $97410
Biomedical engineering is a field that designs and creates machines and equipment to diagnose medical issues, grow artificial intelligence organs, and provide technical support for biomedical equipment. It is a complex and difficult job that requires knowledge and skill. Those who enter this field must be dedicated to helping others and driven to find new and innovative ways to improve the quality of healthcare.
Medical Manager
Average Income: $101340
Medical managers also referred to as healthcare administrators, typically oversee an entire department, practice, facility, or clinical area. This role entails planning, directing, administrating, and coordinating health and medical services internally as well as externally. Medical managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of healthcare facilities.
Hydrologist
Average Income: $84030
Hydrologists play a vital role in ensuring that the water we consume is safe. Their daily tasks involve measuring the properties of bodies of water, collecting water samples, testing for specific properties, and analyzing data to find out if there is drought, erosion, or pollution. By doing this, they are able to provide us with information that helps us make decisions about how to best use and protect our water resources!
Physician Assistant
Average Income: $121530
A physician assistant (PA) works with licensed physicians and provides support in treating patients. PAs will evaluate, diagnose and tend to their patients under the supervision of physicians. They are also responsible for treating small wounds, interpreting medical tests, and preparing casts.
PAs play an important role in ensuring quality medical care, particularly in rural and unattended areas where licensed physicians may not be easily accessible. By working with licensed physicians, PAs help to fill in the gaps in medical care and provide much-needed support to patients.
Legal Specialist
Average Income: $127990
Biologists can become attorneys by attending law school and earning a Juris Doctor degree. That said, if you don’t want to become a lawyer, you can also work as a legal specialist.
Specialized law practices that focus on patent and intellectual property law often depend on biologists to help them understand the science behind drugs, biotechnology products, and medical equipment.
Similarly, environmental lawyers may become associated with environmental projects, and medical malpractice lawyers may need to examine medical interventions. By gaining a better understanding of the complexities of the law, biologists can help these professionals provide more accurate and effective legal services.
Genetic Counselor
Average Income: $80150
The role of the genetic counselor is vital to a healthcare team; they provide risk assessment, support, and education to families who may be in danger or are diagnosed with multiple inherited problems. They also advocate for patients, evaluate genetic testing, and provide counseling. Genetic counselors play a crucial role in ensuring that families have the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Lecturer
Average Income: $79640
As a higher education lecturer, you will play a similar role to that of a high school teacher. However, your responsibilities will include teaching biology as well as other academic subjects to undergraduates and postgraduates who are 18 years above. In this position, you will be expected to host seminars, hold tutorials, perform fieldwork, and give lectures. Further, in today’s technologically-driven society, you may also be responsible for e-learning.
Fish and Game Warden
Average Income: $60730
As a biology graduate, if you crave adventure and want one of the world’s best criminal justice professions, a career as a fish and game warden may be for you. Fish and game wardens are responsible for protecting wildlife as well as their natural habitats, including mountains, forests, lakes, parks, and campgrounds.
As a fish and game warden, you will be responsible for issuing permits and licenses and enforcing all fishing, boating, and hunting laws. Further, you will be required to carry out search and rescue operations, capture poachers, and investigate accidents. Most jobs in state and federal agencies will ask you to complete extra academy training in investigation methods, arrest systems, self-defense, and other law enforcement areas.
Microbiologist
Average Income: $79260
Microbiologists play a critical role in understanding how algae, bacteria, viruses, and fungi form, grow, interact, and live in their environments. With the world’s population growth, risks of health epidemics, and falling vaccination rates, microbiologists’ jobs are more important than ever before. Microbiologists help us find new ways to prevent and treat infections and discover novel cures for diseases. They also work to develop better vaccines, diagnostic tools, and public health strategies.
Surgeon
Average Income: $294520
A degree in biology is the ideal foundation for a career in medicine, including as a surgeon. This is because coursework in biology focuses on human anatomy and the intricate procedures of the human body. This knowledge is essential for a job that requires precision and accuracy – with a biology degree, a career in medicine is within reach!
Surgeons play a vital role in repairing injuries and treating diseases. They use precision techniques to operate on patients, which requires a great deal of skill, concentration, and stamina. Surgeons are some of the highest-paid professionals in the United States, making a very good living. If you’re interested in becoming a surgeon, be prepared for many years of hard work and dedication. It’s a demanding career, but the rewards are definitely worth it!
Occupational Therapist
Average Income: $85570
Occupational therapists help people of all ages who have mental, physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities. They use treatments to develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Through occupational therapy, clients can relearn how to take care of themselves so that they can live independently.
Physiology and human biology should be the main focus of your biology degree coursework. After you graduate, you could get a master’s degree in occupational therapy or do an accelerated program that combines both your bachelor’s as well as master’s degrees.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Average Income: $94840
A sales job in the pharmaceutical industry may not necessarily be the first choice for someone with a biology degree; however, it can be a very lucrative career. A pharmaceutical sales representative works for distributors and manufacturers and must have in-depth knowledge of their products.
A biology degree can assist you in being able to communicate effectively with medical care providers. You will be able to explain how a pharmaceutical drug works, what problems it can treat, and how it differs from similar products on the market!
In the current pandemic era, schools and universities have had to rapidly adapt their methods of teaching in order to accommodate for the lack of in-person interaction. This has meant that a lot of students have had to learn how to communicate effectively and collaborate virtually. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is actually a skill that will serve you well in many aspects of your future career.
A recent study found that a vast majority of healthcare providers (87%) now would have at least some of their sales meetings virtually, as opposed to in person. Hence, if you can perfect your virtual communication skills now, you will be ahead of the curve and well-prepared for future success.
Final Thoughts
Still not convinced that a biology degree is worth your time and money? Think there are too few job options available to people with this type of academic background? Well, you couldn’t be more wrong!
There are actually many different types of biology degree jobs that you can pursue – and they often come with great benefits like job stability, a good salary, and a sense of satisfaction. So if you’re thinking of dropping out of your university or quitting your biology program, think again! There’s really no reason not to give it your all!
As you explore the world of bacteria, chemicals, and squid through your microscope, remember that every discovery could lead to a rewarding career. Keep your mind open to endless possibilities, and you’ll be sure to find success!
FAQs
What are the skills necessary to work in a biology career?
In order to work in a biology career, you need to have strong math and science skills – you must also be able to work independently and be detail-oriented. Further, it is important to be able to communicate scientific information effectively!
How much education is required to work in a biology career?
Most of the careers listed above require at least a bachelor’s degree in biology, though some may require a graduate degree. For example, to become a medical doctor, one must attend medical school and obtain a doctoral degree in medicine.
As with most things in life, higher education usually leads to more opportunities and better pay. So if you’re passionate about pursuing a career in biology, we recommend continuing your education and obtaining the highest level of degree possible.
What are the benefits of pursuing a biology degree?
A biology degree can lead to many different career paths, including medical school, veterinary school, research, and teaching. A biology degree also provides skills in problem-solving and critical thinking, which are valuable in many fields.
Why should I study biology?
Biology is the study of life. It is a vast and diverse field that encompasses everything from the smallest viruses to the largest plants and animals. Studying biology can help you understand how life works on every level, from the cellular to the ecosystem level. It can also prepare you for a career in many different fields, such as medicine, environmental science, biotech research, and more.
What is the job market like for biologists?
The job market for biologists is growing rapidly. Biologists can pursue careers in a variety of different industries, including the medical field, research, and education. There are also many opportunities for biologists to work in the private sector. In addition, the job market for biologists is expected to grow steadily over the next few years.
How do I become a biologist?
If you’re interested in a career in biology, you might start by earning a bachelor’s degree in the subject. After completing your undergraduate education, you could then pursue a graduate degree or enter the workforce. There are many different specialties within the field of biology, so it’s important to explore your interests and find the right fit for you!
