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The 10 Best States for Biologists in 2026
As biologists continue to play a crucial role in research, conservation, and environmental management, their demand remains robust across the United States. This profession is not confined to specific regions; biologists are found in every state, contributing to diverse fields such as biotechnology, ecology, and environmental consulting.
At Zippia, we analyzed key data to identify the best states for biologists in 2026, focusing on job availability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career growth.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of states where biologists can thrive both professionally and financially:
These states represent the best opportunities for biologists, blending job availability with competitive salaries at various career stages.
Wondering how we arrived at this ranking? Read on for insights into our methodology and a deeper dive into each state’s offerings for biologists.
If you’re exploring job opportunities, check out:
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How We Determined the Best States for Biologists
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research indicates that two primary factors drive job satisfaction:
- Job availability
- Competitive compensation
To identify the best states for biologists, we analyzed job openings and salary data, using the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2024:
- Location quotient: A metric indicating job concentration in a state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure fair comparison, we adjusted salary data based on each state’s cost of living. This approach highlights how far salaries stretch in different states, allowing for a more accurate assessment of financial viability. For instance, while California’s average salary for biologists might be higher, the cost of living can significantly impact overall quality of life.
After ranking each state across these criteria, we calculated an overall Job Score. The state with the lowest score emerged as the top state for biologists.
1. Maryland
Total Jobs: 4,100
Average Annual Salary: $103,790
Average Entry Level Salary: $57,960
Average Experienced Salary: $162,760
Location Quotient: 5.19
2. Mississippi
Total Jobs: 300
Average Annual Salary: $80,690
Average Entry Level Salary: $38,030
Average Experienced Salary: $134,820
Location Quotient: 0.91
3. Texas
Total Jobs: 2,100
Average Annual Salary: $80,900
Average Entry Level Salary: $49,060
Average Experienced Salary: $111,050
Location Quotient: 0.59
4. Virginia
Total Jobs: 540
Average Annual Salary: $93,750
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,970
Average Experienced Salary: $171,740
Location Quotient: 0.48
5. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 1,070
Average Annual Salary: $83,380
Average Entry Level Salary: $42,710
Average Experienced Salary: $126,230
Location Quotient: 0.83
6. Washington
Total Jobs: 1,270
Average Annual Salary: $85,200
Average Entry Level Salary: $50,220
Average Experienced Salary: $121,030
Location Quotient: 1.32
7. Arkansas
Total Jobs: 250
Average Annual Salary: $74,380
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,630
Average Experienced Salary: $95,980
Location Quotient: 0.69
8. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 160
Average Annual Salary: $71,030
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,280
Average Experienced Salary: $88,060
Location Quotient: 2.02
9. Arizona
Total Jobs: 570
Average Annual Salary: $83,680
Average Entry Level Salary: $41,370
Average Experienced Salary: $122,830
Location Quotient: 0.69
10. Georgia
Total Jobs: 1,040
Average Annual Salary: $72,460
Average Entry Level Salary: $42,800
Average Experienced Salary: $97,610
Location Quotient: 0.8
There You Have It – The Best States for Biologists
For aspiring biologists, these states represent the best options for job availability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement. If you’re considering a career in biology, this list should guide your job search.
Curious about the states with fewer opportunities for biologists? Here are the states considered less favorable:
For further insights, check out:
Detailed List of the Best States for Biologists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $103,790 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $80,690 |
| 3 | Texas | $80,900 |
| 4 | Virginia | $93,750 |
| 5 | North Carolina | $83,380 |
| 6 | Washington | $85,200 |
| 7 | Arkansas | $74,380 |
| 8 | Wyoming | $71,030 |
| 9 | Arizona | $83,680 |
| 10 | Georgia | $72,460 |
| 11 | New Mexico | $73,610 |
| 12 | Illinois | $84,180 |
| 13 | Michigan | $75,110 |
| 14 | Wisconsin | $73,520 |
| 15 | Idaho | $70,770 |
| 16 | Utah | $74,290 |
| 17 | Indiana | $69,180 |
| 18 | West Virginia | $70,060 |
| 19 | South Carolina | $78,370 |
| 20 | Nebraska | $74,790 |
| 21 | Kansas | $64,560 |
| 22 | Missouri | $67,290 |
| 23 | Tennessee | $67,690 |
| 24 | Minnesota | $73,770 |
| 25 | California | $91,340 |
| 26 | Alabama | $67,200 |
| 27 | Connecticut | $93,180 |
| 28 | Massachusetts | $84,790 |
| 29 | Montana | $66,110 |
| 30 | Rhode Island | $89,210 |
| 31 | Oklahoma | $64,200 |
| 32 | Colorado | $71,380 |
| 33 | North Dakota | $70,590 |
| 34 | Louisiana | $66,100 |
| 35 | Nevada | $73,490 |
| 36 | Ohio | $67,780 |
| 37 | Florida | $71,200 |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | $73,550 |
| 39 | Kentucky | $64,780 |
| 40 | Oregon | $69,930 |
| 41 | Alaska | $77,430 |
| 42 | Iowa | $62,320 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | $78,780 |
| 44 | New York | $89,000 |
| 45 | Hawaii | $79,760 |
| 46 | South Dakota | $65,660 |
| 47 | Vermont | $78,070 |
| 48 | New Jersey | $76,330 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
