If you are passionate about helping others and have a love for science, then a career in biology may be perfect for you!
Biology degrees can lead to many different jobs with diverse duties. That’s why I decided to discuss some of the top biology degree jobs and what you can expect from them. I will also provide information on the qualifications you need, a typical day in the life of these professionals, and salary expectations.
So, let’s learn more about these exciting careers.
Contents
- The Top Biology Degree Jobs Today
- Microbiologist
- Field Biologist
- Biology Teacher
- Medical Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Pharmacist
- Physician Assistant
- Hospital Administrator
- Park Ranger
- Environmental Education Specialist
- Forensic Scientist
- Ecologist
- Zoologist
- Marine Biologist
- Biochemist
- What Do These Job Positions Entail?
- Final Thoughts
The Top Biology Degree Jobs Today
Microbiologist
One of the top jobs for biology degree holders is that of a microbiologist who studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They work to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environment. Additionally, microbiologists use their knowledge to develop new ways to prevent or treat diseases caused by these microorganisms.
Qualifications:
To become a microbiologist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field. Many employers also require that candidates have at least two years of experience working in a laboratory.
Day in the Life:
They spend their days conducting experiments to learn more about how bacteria behave and analyze data so it can be used for research or published with colleagues’ findings in journals such as Science!
Salary:
The median salary for a microbiologist is $64,000 per year.
Field Biologist
Another distinguished career option for biology degree holders is that of a field biologist. Field biologists conduct research on plants, animals, and other organisms in their natural habitats. They may study the effects of environmental factors on these organisms or the interactions between different species.
Additionally, field biologists may work to develop conservation plans to protect endangered species.
Qualifications:
To become a field biologist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Experience working in the field is also beneficial.
Day in the Life:
A standard day for a field biologist may involve hiking, collecting samples, conducting experiments, and writing reports. The outdoors is often where you will find field biologists, but they may also work in laboratories.
Salary:
The median salary for a field biologist is $60,000 per year.
Biology Teacher
Biology teachers provide instruction on topics such as cell structure, genetics, and evolution. They also help students develop critical thinking and critical thinking skills. In addition to teaching, biology teachers may also be responsible for developing curricula, grading papers, and advising students.
Qualifications:
To become a biology teacher, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Many states also require that teachers complete a teacher preparation program and obtain a teaching license.
Day in the Life:
A normal day for a biology teacher may involve lesson planning, teaching classes, grading papers, and meeting with students. Biology teachers typically work during school hours, but they may also be required to work evenings and weekends to attend meetings or chaperone events.
Salary:
The median salary for a biology teacher is $58,000 per year.
Medical Scientist
Another top career choice for biology degree holders is that of a medical scientist. Medical scientists conduct research to improve human health. They may study the causes of diseases or develop new treatments and therapies. Additionally, medical scientists may also be responsible for teaching and training other healthcare professionals.
Qualifications:
Those who want to become medical scientists need an undergraduate degree in biology. Many employers also require that candidates have at least two years of laboratory experience working as well, making this career path difficult without proper training!
Day in the Life:
Medical scientists are always working on a variety of projects, from experimenting with new drugs to analyzing data and authoring reports. They often collaborate closely as they investigate the causes or treatments for various diseases that affect both human beings and animals alike!
Salary:
The median salary for a medical scientist is $84,000 per year.
Research Scientist
A possible path after graduating college might be becoming a research scientist. Research scientists are dedicated specifically to discovering knowledge about nature through experimentations to increase our understanding of living organisms.
They may study the effects of environmental factors on these organisms or the interactions between distinct species. Additionally, research scientists may also be responsible for developing new products and technologies.
Qualifications:
To become a research scientist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Many employers also require that candidates have at least two years of experience working in a laboratory.
Day in the Life:
A typical day for a research scientist may involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, authoring reports, and collaborating with other scientists. Research scientists typically work in laboratories, but some may also work in field settings.
Salary:
The median salary for a research scientist is $70,000 per year.
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical laboratory technicians perform tests on patient samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. They may also be responsible for performing quality control checks on laboratory equipment. Additionally, clinical laboratory technicians may also provide support to other healthcare professionals.
Qualifications:
To become a clinical laboratory technician, you will need to earn an associate’s degree in medical technology or a related field. Many employers also require that candidates have certification from the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Day in the Life:
The average day as a Clinical Lab Tech involves work that ranges from performing various tests on samples taken from patients at home or in hospital settings. They also analyze the observations made during these procedures with regards to determining diagnosis(es), creating sketches/diagrams to illustrate the process methodology used, while collaborating closely via frequent communication with colleagues.
Salary:
The median salary for a clinical laboratory technician is $51,000 per year.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical managers are responsible for planning and coordinating the delivery of healthcare services. They direct staff, manage budgets as well patient care to provide efficient support to other professionals within their field.
Qualifications:
The minimum requirement is five years’ experience working within healthcare settings, but most programs require an undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) specifically focusing on management positions related to this field. For those without these qualifications, there may still be opportunities available through internships that can assist one’s career development.
Day in the Life:
Entails performing experiments, analyzing data, drafting reports, and collaborating with other scientists. Medical and health services managers work in laboratories, but some may also be found working on-site at hospitals or other medical facilities.
Salary:
The median salary for a medical or health services manager is $96,000 per year.
Pharmacist
Another terrific opportunity for biology degree holders is to become a pharmacist. Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients on the proper use of prescription drugs. They are responsible for conducting quality control checks on medications, ordering supplies, and keeping track of inventory. Additionally, pharmacists may also provide support to other healthcare professionals.
Qualifications:
To become a pharmacist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or a related field. Some employers also want candidates to have a license from the state board of pharmacy.
Day in the Life:
A typical day for a pharmacist may involve dispensing medications, advising patients, conducting quality control checks, ordering supplies, and keeping track of inventory. Pharmacists work in pharmacies, but some may also work in hospitals or other healthcare settings.
Salary:
The median salary for a pharmacist is $116,000 per year.
Physician Assistant
There are many different career opportunities for those who have a degree in biology. One option is to become physician assistants, which provide medical services under the supervision of licensed physicians and may also be responsible for conducting physical exams or ordering lab tests while providing patient education as well!
Qualifications:
To become a physician assistant, you will need to earn a master’s degree from an accredited PA program. Most candidates must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam to obtain licensure.
Day in the Life:
The typical day for a physician assistant may involve conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, and providing patient education. Physician Assistants work in clinics, but some also have opportunities to work in hospitals or other healthcare settings as well!
Salary:
The average salary for a physician assistant is $86,000 per year.
Hospital Administrator
Next in my rundown of Top Biology Degree Jobs, hospital administrators are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the delivery of healthcare services. They may also be responsible for managing staff, budgeting, and patient care.
Qualifications:
To become a hospital administrator, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Most candidates must have at least five years of experience working in a healthcare setting.
Day in the Life:
Hospital admins typically spend most days sitting behind desks so they can be close to what’s happening throughout an organization at any given time, whether that means collaborating via Skype chat while traveling abroad for meetings or in person.
Salary:
The average salary for a hospital administrator is $96,000 per year.
Park Ranger
Park rangers are in charge of protecting and preserving national parks and other public lands. They may also be responsible for conducting educational programs, enforcing laws, and maintaining trails.
Qualifications:
To become a park ranger, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. Most candidates must also have at least three years of experience working in a relevant field.
Day in the Life:
A typical day for a park ranger involves conducting educational programs, maintaining the trails throughout the park, and enforcing park rules. Park rangers typically work in national parks, but some may also work in state parks or other public lands.
Salary:
The median salary for a park ranger is $58,000 per year.
Environmental Education Specialist
Educating the public about their environment is a vital task for environmental specialists. They are responsible for developing and delivering educational programs as well as conducting research to better understand how it affects people both inside and out. They write reports that detail these findings so others can learn from them too!
Qualifications:
To become an environmental education specialist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. Most candidates must also have at least three years of experience volunteering at an environmental organization.
Day in the Life:
A regular day for an environmental education specialist may involve developing and delivering educational programs about the environment.
Salary:
The median salary for an environmental education specialist is $57,000 per year.
Forensic Scientist
The world of Forensics can be a fascinating one, where your skills are put to use every day in solving crimes. You can collaborate with other scientists and doctors who help you solve forensically-oriented cases ranging from natural disasters all the way up to murder!
Qualifications:
To become a forensic scientist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field. Most candidates must also have at least three years of experience working in a relevant field.
Day in the Life:
Forensic scientists spend their days doing something that might seem strange to the average person. They experiment with data, analyze it, and write reports about what they find.
Salary:
The median salary for a forensic scientist is $62,000 per year.
Ecologist
Ecologists are the scientists who study how different environments affect organisms. They may also conduct experiments, analyze data, and draft reports to publish research papers in scientific journals.
Qualifications:
To become an ecologist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree and preferably a postgraduate degree. You will also need two to five years of experience in related organizations.
Day in the Life:
A typical day for an ecologist may involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, writing reports, and collaborating with other scientists. Ecologists work out in the field and in offices when they are report writing.
Salary:
The median salary for an ecologist is $63,000 per year.
Zoologist
Zoologists study the behavior and interactions of animals, as well as conduct experiments to learn more. They may also help with data analysis or drafting reports that are then collaborated on by other scientists within a team setting – all while being responsible for managing a research budget!
Qualifications:
To become a zoologist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field. A postgraduate degree may also be required for some positions. Most candidates must also have at least three years of experience working in a relevant field.
Day in the Life:
Zoologists are always on the go. They spend their days conducting experiments and writing reports to share with other scientists all over the world! Some work in laboratories, while others might find themselves outside running errands for their lab or collecting samples from animals in field-based projects.
Salary:
The median salary for a zoologist is $64,000 per year.
Marine Biologist
Marine biologists are scientists who study the oceans and all of its inhabitants. These researchers protect, observe, or manage marine animals like fish in aquariums to plants on land-based ecosystems; they also work with microbes!
Qualifications:
To become a marine biologist, it is necessary to have at least three years of experience working in related fields. Most bachelor’s degree holders will also require postgraduate training for some positions, and most employers prefer applicants who already hold PhDs or other doctorates as well!
Day in the Life:
Marine biologists spend their days exploring and discovering new things. They might conduct experiments, analyze data, or write reports to share what they have found with other scientists.
Salary:
The median salary for a marine biologist is $66,000 per year.
Biochemist
Biologists study the complex system of living things and how they function. Biochemists work to understand these processes from both a chemist’s perspective as well as one that involves biology. For example, a cell’s development or growth rates.
Qualifications:
To become a biochemist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or a related field. A postgraduate degree may also be required for some positions. Most candidates must also have at least three years of experience working in a relevant field.
Day in the Life:
Biochemists spend their days collaborating with other scientists to advance the field of biochemistry which is why it is not unusual for them to work both in laboratories as well on-site. They may also work in medical facilities where they may be called upon by doctors who need assistance treating patients quickly because there is not always time for paperwork!
Salary:
The median salary for a biochemist is $68,000 per year.
What Do These Job Positions Entail?
Not quite sure which career direction to go in? No problem, I’ve got you covered with my in-depth guides on the positions mentioned above…
Firstly, let’s begin with my Pharmacist Job Description and my Pharmacist Interview Questions, or maybe even my or my Pharmacy Technician Job Description, or my Pharmacy Manager Job Description, along with the Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs to see if any other alternatives might interest you.
Furthermore, take a look at my Marine Biologist Job Description, my Physician Assistant Job Description, and my Medical Assistant Job Description, or perhaps my Hospital Administrator Job Description, Park Ranger Job Description, and my Forensic Scientist Job Description. You might also want to check out the most Popular Jobs In Forensic Science in 2023.
If a pharmacist is what you’ve decided on, then why not apply to our Smiths Food And Drug Application, our Shoppers Drug Mart Application, Longs Drugs Application, or maybe our CVS Pharmacy Application today!
Final Thoughts
The world of science is an exciting one, with careers that range from conducting experiments to analyzing data.
If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment and taking initiative, then this might just be the perfect job for your skillset! So, if you are interested in a career in the sciences, these Top Jobs for Biology Degree are a great place to start.
All the very best in deciding on your new career!