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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 875 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 824 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 812 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 812 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 779 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $63,478 | $30.52 | +4.6% |
| 2024 | $60,702 | $29.18 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $59,153 | $28.44 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $57,178 | $27.49 | +4.3% |
| 2021 | $54,836 | $26.36 | --0.5% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 16 | 2% |
| 2 | California | 39,536,653 | 221 | 1% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 57 | 1% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 34 | 1% |
| 5 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 29 | 1% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 11 | 1% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 10 | 1% |
| 8 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 9 | 1% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 8 | 1% |
| 10 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 4 | 1% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 15 | 0% |
| 12 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 6 | 0% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 6 | 0% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 5 | 0% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 3 | 0% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 3 | 0% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 2 | 0% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 2 | 0% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1 | 0% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 1 | 0% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $50,938 |
| 2 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $75,647 |
University of Northern Iowa
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Lake Superior State University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Coastal Carolina University
University of Rhode Island
Stockton University
Macalester College
Cornell University
Theresa Spradling: All of the jobs that biologists do help other people, and that brings biologists personal satisfaction with their job.
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Wildlife And Wildlands Science And Management
Scott Henke PhD: Be an active listener. Often new graduates what to show their knowledge, but being too eager to demonstrate what you know can be misunderstood as an attempt into being superior. If you are a new biologist in the area, research what issues face the citizens of the area first so you become aware of what may be needed. Then arrange a meeting with the key people or local groups and ask questions as to what they believe are their most important questions and concerns. During this meeting, only listen. Do not offer suggestions unless specifically asked to do so. Often people want to be heard so actively listen to their concerns. Get to know the locals as individuals. They will be more receptive to you as the ‘new’ person, if they feel respected by you first.
Also learn the local customs. People from different areas other than from where you grew up may do things differently. Don’t be judgmental as how things are done in the new area. Different is not necessarily wrong, its just a different way from what you may be accustomed to doing.
Scott Henke PhD: This answer will age me, but I think today’s generation relies too heavily on technology. Old school ‘hands-on’ training is becoming a lost art. New students, for the most part, seem to have spent little time outdoors and do not seem capable of recognizing animal signs (i.e. tracks, scat, feather, scraps, dens, fur, etc.). I think some of these “lost art” skills will be needed, and up-and-coming students who have such skills will be sought by agencies.
People skills will always be needed. Most kids get into wildlife management because they desire to work with animals, but quickly find out that much of wildlife jobs entail dealing with people. Being able to converse with kids to adults, from lay people to businessmen to scientists is always useful Get as much experience with people as you can. It will pay off. As a student, volunteer to give presentations to school classes, to Rotary Clubs, to Garden Clubs, and give scientific presentations at science-based conferences.
Also, learn how to identify plants. Plants are often thought of as the boring part for wildlife students; however, plants are habitat. Much of wildlife management is habitat management. Do not lessen the importance of this skill.
Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Information Science/Studies
Maureen Dunbar PhD: The most important skill is flexibility and the ability to be a self-learner. Laboratory sciences change incredibly fast, and it is important to keep up with the changes and to be willing and able to learn new techniques and skills.
Maureen Dunbar PhD: For graduates entering the field of biology, I would recommend that they be persistent and open-minded when looking for jobs, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. The most important criteria for a career in biology (or really any laboratory science) is experience. You may need to accept an entry-level position for a year or so, but if you work hard you will advance in the company quickly.
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Traditional fisheries skills such as setting and lifting nets, and collecting biological data from fish will continue to be important. Managing, analyzing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and statistical software are also essential in fisheries. Other skills such as acoustic telemetry (deploying & maintaining receivers, implanting fish with transmitters), analyzing spatial data or other 'big data' sets, and laboratory skills (e.g., eDNA, water quality, emerging contaminants) are likely to increase in demand as technologies continue to develop.
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Recent graduates in the areas of aquaculture, fishery science, and fisheries management should say yes to opportunities and challenge themselves. This might mean moving across the country for their first job, going to a workshop to learn a new skill, or presenting at a professional conference. Having a growth mindset will help early career professionals find the path that is best for them and build a rewarding career.
Jennifer Slate PhD: Because there are so many types of jobs in biology, there is a job to suit everyone! Jobs may be people-oriented, focus primarily on labwork, or even allow one to spend time outdoors. Many (but not all) jobs in biology require further education after finishing the bachelor’s degree. Biology graduates often go on to health professional programs, to obtain teaching certification, or to obtain a master’s or PhD degree.
Jennifer Slate PhD: There is currently a huge demand for workers in biology and other STEM professions. Healthcare workers are especially needed in nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. There is a shortage of teachers, particularly those who can teach biology or other sciences. The huge amount of biological data that is available, such as in genetics and environmental biology, means that scientists with analytical skills have great job opportunities.
Jennifer Slate PhD: There are so many different types of jobs in biology, to suit people of different interests. Biologists work in health care, in research labs, in environmental protection, and in teaching- just to name a few fields. Responsibilities on a day-to-day basis will depend upon the particular job field. Common skills required on a daily basis include use of computer software, ability to make and record detailed observations, and teamwork/communication skills.
Falk Huettmann: FH Many problems these days are complex in nature, and involve aspects of the living world. To be fluent on those aspects is essential and expertise is needed. A Biology degree can provide that skill set.
Falk Huettmann: FH Some people might dismiss education overall, others do not like to acknowledge, or work on, environmental or biological aspects. But reality remains, we are living beings and surrounded by the living world. We are part of the world's biology; so it's best to be fluent on those matters and well educated.
Falk Huettmann: FH Biology is a very big topic and a large discipline. Many biologists work on microbiological aspects. In my case our graduates often do biodiversity and species work, employing data, using geographic information system (GIS) mapping and modeling predictions using machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for environmental applications worldwide, e.g. climate change, impact and risk assessments. That's a big field for employment across the board.
Danielle Silvia: There are many emerging trends and changes in the natural world making biology a fascinating career to embark on. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biology is predicted to see a 5% increase in job growth through 2032, as biologists are in high demand across areas such as healthcare, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology, and more. Due to pressing issues like climate change, the disappearance of species and nature, public health crises, drug development, and genetic engineering, becoming a biologist today will provide career advancement tomorrow. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in important areas of society while pursuing an intellectually stimulating career for the long-term.
Danielle Silvia: A day in the life of a biologist typically involves researching various forms of life, such as bacteria, animals, plants, how they impact the world around them, and vice versa. Biologists may run experiments to work towards answering these questions, using some of the latest and greatest scientific tools and techniques in a laboratory setting. The job scope also includes collecting and reviewing data from research and experiments, and creating reports based on findings to solve important problems. Biologists work at all levels on organisms from the molecular to the whole organism to populations.
Danielle Silvia: Working in the field of biology offers a variety of distinct occupations, and the likes and dislikes may vary from person to person. However, if you’re somebody who enjoys thinking analytically, asking big questions then testing them, and exploring natural environments, this career path may be the right fit for you.
Coastal Carolina University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
Derek Crane Ph.D.: The great thing about biology is that it is an incredibly broad and diverse field that people with a variety of skill sets and interests can work in. Based on the field of biology someone is in, their day-to-day activities can vary from sampling and observing plants and animals, working in a lab processing samples, or analyzing data and communicating results (sometimes all within a single day for someone!). Entry-level biologists are typically involved in more of the hands-on work in the field or lab, collecting data, and as they gain experience they become more involved in the analytical and communication aspects of the job.
Derek Crane Ph.D.: I think that people enjoy careers in biology because they can continuously learn, the work can differ from day to day, and it allows them to be creative. Because biology is a science, learning in biology is based on data and evidence, and when data and evidence are ignored or not used in a decision-making process it can be frustrating.
Derek Crane Ph.D.: Some of our greatest challenges as a global society, such as food security under a changing climate, predicting, preventing, and handling of future pandemics, and rapid loss of biodiversity are based in biology. We need smart, energetic, and motivated people to address these issues.
Brian Plouffe PhD: Recent graduates in the biological sciences traditionally have a broad education in the many aspects of biology. Recent graduates are well prepared to enter the fields of pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, food processing and safety, environmental, and biotechnology. Graduates in the biological sciences may work outside in the field collecting samples for analysis or farms growing crops. Others may work in a research lab doing bench work in cell biology, microbiology, or genetics. Many graduates work in healthcare assisting with disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Given the broad nature of the field, the possibilities are endless on what someone could do with their career. No two days may be the same, and it is a very dynamic field to enter.
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biology offers a variety of career opportunities in labs, industry, journalism, environmental organizations, policy-making, teaching, etc. The field is essential for addressing societal challenges and is stable in society.
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biologists enjoy different aspects such as fieldwork, lab work, data analysis, and communicating scientific concepts. Some find fulfillment in teaching and public seminars, while others may have preferences for specific tasks within the field.
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: The daily routine of a biologist can vary on a day-to-day basis, involving being out in the field collecting data, working in a lab using special instruments, or at a computer organizing and analyzing data. Writing for publications and grant proposals is also essential.
Elena Tonc: Stay curious and keep learning-the field is constantly evolving with new techniques and building on previous knowledge so it will be important to stay up-to-date. Also, more generally, there is always something new to learn in biology or explore a new subfield. Another thing to keep in mind is building relationships. Reach out to professionals who are on the career path you desire and schedule informational interviews as they are a fantastic way to gain insights, advice, and potentially even mentorship. Learning from others' experiences can help you navigate your career path more effectively and open up opportunities you might not have considered otherwise. The diversity of career trajectories in biology means there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so being proactive in seeking guidance and learning from others' journeys can be immensely valuable.
Elena Tonc: Having a specialized skillset is one way to increase your compensation potential early in your career as those jobs are high in demand and companies might offer bigger salary incentives as a recruitment tool. Of course, negotiation is a big part too-don't be afraid to ask for higher compensation after researching salary ranges for similar positions in your location.
Cornell University
International Agriculture
Professor Marvin Pritts: Everyone has to eat, and as the population grows and resources diminish, there is ever increasing demand for more and better-quality food. Even the animals we eat rely on plant-based food. There will never be a time when plant science becomes obsolete. New pests and climate change require that the genetics of our crops and the ways crops are managed change as well. Preservation of our remaining natural areas is critical for ecosystem functioning and quality of life. When COVID hit, attendance at parks skyrocketed and has not diminished. Participation at pick-your-own farms went way up as people rediscovered a connection with nature and their food. So it's a great time to pursue a profession in plant science.
Professor Marvin Pritts: Some jobs are mostly lab-based while others are field-based. Still others involve education or data management so would occur mostly inside. I think the best type of job is one that involves all three components, and a career in plant science can allow for one to participate in all of these. Lab-based jobs typically involve some sort of research, genetic studies, propagation, or analyses of samples. Field-based jobs typically involve growing or propagating plants, data collection or scouting, pest management, plant breeding, or crop and natural area management. The number of careers that fall under the plant science category is very diverse so there is no typical day. Even within a particular career, what is done in a day varies greatly by season of the year.