Biological Scientist: Salary and Career Facts

Explore the career requirements for biological scientists. Get the facts about what they do, schooling required, and earnings potential to determine if this is the right career for you.

What is a Biological Scientist?

A biological scientist conducts detailed research to analyze substances and specimens to better understand functionality, reproduction and diseases. They will employ advanced technology and sometimes work with teams. They present their findings to the public or interested parties, such as science establishments. Read about some of the specializations that biological scientists might pursue, like ecology or zoology. The following chart provides an overview of what you need to know entering this field.

Degree Required	Bachelor's, master's and/or doctoral degree
Education Field of Study	Biology; microbiology; other biological sciences
Key Responsibilities	Laboratory work; field observation; product testing; management
Job Growth (2020-2030)	5%* (biochemists and biophysicists)
Median Salary (2020)	$94,270* (biochemists and biophysicists)

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Will I Do as a Biological Scientist?

Biological scientists often specialize in a particular sub-field, like aquatic life, marine biology, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, physiology and biochemistry. Biological scientists may work for research and development companies, pharmaceutical companies, universities or government agencies.

Your main duties as a biological scientist might include some form of laboratory study, field observation, product or process development and testing. You may also be involved with the sales, administrative or managerial tasks that come with research.

What Education Do I Need?

Although it may be possible to find an entry-level position with a bachelor's or master's degree, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is most often required for biological scientists who work in academia, research and development (www.bls.gov). To get started, you could enroll in a 4-year biological sciences, general biology or microbiology bachelor's program. Upon completion, you might apply to a master's or doctoral program. Graduate programs may allow you select an area of focus, like ecology or neurobiology.

In a master's program, you'll have the opportunity to complete a research project or write a thesis paper. You can typically earn a master's degree in two years. Most doctoral programs expect you to write a dissertation on a specialized research topic of your choice; a doctoral program might take from 5-7 years to complete.

What Could I Expect to Earn?

Compensation for biological scientists can vary greatly by specialty. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for biochemists and biophysicists was $94,270 in May of 2020. During the same year, microbiologists earned a median annual salary of $84,400; zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a median annual wage of $66,350.

In 2020, all other biological scientists earned a median annual salary of $66,350. The BLS reported that the number of biochemists and biophysicists was expected to grow by 5% from 2020-2030.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

Some related fields include agricultural and food scientists, chemists and materials scientists, and natural sciences managers. Agricultural and food scientists specialize in food supply improvement and sustenance. Chemists and materials scientists study atomic and molecular properties to improve manufactured goods. Natural sciences managers supervise experimental procedures. All these areas require a bachelor's degree.