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Job outlook for biology instructors in the United States
Biology instructor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected biology instructor job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 159,400 new jobs for biology instructors are projected over the next decade.
Biology instructor salaries have increased 12% for biology instructors in the last 5 years.
There are over 13,983 biology instructors currently employed in the United States.
There are 37,540 active biology instructor job openings in the US.
The average biology instructor salary is $58,811.
Are biology instructor jobs in demand?
Biology instructor job and salary trends over time
Biology instructor jobs over time
Biology instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13,983 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 15,100 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 15,566 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 15,179 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 14,634 | 0.00% |
Average biology instructor salary over time
Biology instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $58,811 | $28.27 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $57,231 | $27.51 | +0.9% |
| 2024 | $56,716 | $27.27 | +5.5% |
| 2023 | $53,755 | $25.84 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $52,662 | $25.32 | +1.8% |
Biology instructor jobs by state
Most common states for biology instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 190 | 27% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 920 | 16% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,231 | 15% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 114 | 15% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 488 | 12% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 121 | 12% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 72 | 12% |
| 8 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 479 | 10% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 547 | 9% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 275 | 9% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 160 | 9% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,531 | 8% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 760 | 8% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 577 | 8% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 515 | 8% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 240 | 8% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 80 | 8% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 68 | 8% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 144 | 7% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 70 | 7% |
Most common cities for biology instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nampa | 1 | 1% | $54,906 |
Biology Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of biology instructor experts
Tiffin University
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Springfield College
One University Parkway
Meredith College
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Georgia
College of Charleston
What general advice would you give to a Biology Instructor?
Dr. Stuart Inglis: During fall and spring terms when the majority of classes take place, these instructors will be occupied with lesson preparation, teaching lectures, and supervising laboratory sessions. There is also likely to be office hours and review sessions that would need to be overseen. The summer term might also offer the ability to teach additional courses. The instructor may also use the more open time to pay attention to other aspects of their position. They may be involved in certain administrative functions, such as sitting on university committees or directing the laboratory facilities they teach in. They may also use the time to perform research studies that they do not necessarily have time for during the regular school year.
What Biology Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Stuart Inglis: Anatomy and Physiology is a unique field of study. While many feel apprehensive towards it, in particular when it involves dissection or physiology studies on animals, those who pursue it tend to be very passionate about the subject matter. As is the case for anyone who answers the call to teach, the satisfaction in educating the future generation is fulfilling. This is particularly so when working with kindred spirits who feel the same passion for the subject material. The dislikes would be the same as seen in teaching in any discipline; Interactions with apathetic and unappreciative students and pressures from administration to maintain a certain class average And received positive course evaluations.
What will help Biology Instructors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stuart Inglis: The field of anatomy and physiology is always in demand, as it is a critical component in the education of anyone pursuing a career in the medical field. Essentially every institution of higher learning has some sort of anatomy and physiology course that needs to be taught. There has also been a general trend over the past several years of insufficient numbers of qualified candidates to replace the large number of faculty that have been retiring. Students graduating with a masters or doctoral degree in the anatomical or physiological sciences have a very good chance of being hired into vacant faculty positions. For doctoral graduates that have a successful research program, having an additional background in teaching in anatomy and physiology makes them more marketable and desirable for faculty positions focused on research but still requiring a certain amount of teaching.
Dr. Stephanie Opfer
Associate Professor of English, Assistant Dean of the School of Creative and Media ArtsTiffin University
Visual And Performing Arts
What will help Biology Instructors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephanie Opfer: Unfortunately, teaching as an adjunct does not pay well. Students should keep their full-time jobs and teach part-time until they find a full-time job at a college or university. That part-time teaching provides them valuable experience and connections that make them more competitive candidates for full-time positions because they'd also be competing with candidates who have PhDs. So adjunct work is more of a long-term investment rather than an immediate return. Also, even full-time teaching jobs don't pay particularly well, so they'll really need to love teaching if they want to do it full-time. If they don't like teaching as an adjunct, they won't like doing it full-time.
Kristen Platt Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine
Department of Neuroscience
What skills stand out on Biology Instructor resumes?
Kristen Platt Ph.D.: I think several skills stand out when looking at an applicant's resume. One is experience with human donor cadaver dissection. It seems that it's becoming rarer, in general, for anatomy instructors to have both background and interest in gross anatomy.
The second skill that stands out on a resume is a breadth of technological expertise. Instructors need to be comfortable with various teaching technologies, from learning management systems to publisher websites/resources and the vast array of apps and other prevalent media in anatomy education. Now, of course, no one can know how to use every piece of technology, but having a breadth of experience across various platforms helps the instructor adapt to and adopt new media.
Third and finally, it really stands out when a candidate has training in and commitment to diversity & inclusion initiatives. This is so important that it can't be overstated. We could all do well with seeking every opportunity to increase our competence in this area.
What soft skills should all Biology Instructors possess?
Kristen Platt Ph.D.: Soft skills can really make or break a candidate, but they are also difficult to develop, much less showcase on an application. The most important soft skills are interpersonal skills (communication, empathy, collaboration, and teamwork) and organization. People who are organized are much more efficient, and their students can really tell the difference when interfacing with that instructor through the learning management system or email and grade responsiveness.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Biology Instructors?
Kristen Platt Ph.D.: As we discussed before, technological expertise is very critical for instructors in biological/anatomical sciences. The teaching landscape in these areas changes rapidly, with new resources coming onto the market very often. Nothing has highlighted this need more so than the recent COVID-19 induced campus shutdowns. There was likely a great divide in the student experiences during the shutdowns based on their instructors' comfort with technological innovation.
In addition, writing skills can never be dismissed. Almost any position in higher education will require some form of writing, whether that is publishing book chapters, lay press, or technical/scientific manuscripts.
What skills will help Biology Instructors earn the most?
Kristen Platt Ph.D.: The skills that will set a candidate ahead for earnings include administrative and leadership skills. Instructor earnings are fairly standardized by institution/state/region and don't vary much based on individual skills, especially entry-level positions. However, if that instructor takes on administrative responsibilities or works their way into leadership roles, earning potential is greater over time. Finally, if individuals can harness their creativity and innovation, they could find avenues to greater earnings outside of the standard promotion ladder (for example, contracting with publishing companies or developing & marketing new teaching media).
Stephen Maris Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Graduate CoordinatorSpringfield College
Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training
What skills stand out on Biology Instructor resumes?
Stephen Maris Ph.D.: In this new age of online learning and hybrid courses, instructors need to have a strong grasp on diverse methods of education delivery, whether it is experienced in online teaching, video design, video conferences, and other technologies. Also, in terms of instructors, it is also important to have a background in the content related to either publication in the field or scientific presentations at regional, national, and international conferences. Other skills include adaptability to different class environments, strong leadership skills, and enthusiasm for the material related to anatomy and physiology.
What soft skills should all Biology Instructors possess?
Stephen Maris Ph.D.: The soft skills required for many instructors focus on the balance between leadership and personal skills. More specifically, the ability to have strong time management, confidence, self-management skills, and enthusiasm are very important in terms of success. In many cases, enthusiasm is what can lead to improved class engagement and can foster the same enthusiasm for the subject in the students or takers of a course.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Biology Instructors?
Stephen Maris Ph.D.: The skills that are most important related to technical items are related to technology for the classroom, as well as technologies in use in the current state of anatomy and physiology literature. At this moment, that includes experience using Real-Time PCR, ELISAs, biomechanical analyses, measurements of cardiovascular function, and more. In terms of teaching the course, the instructors also need to have a strong background in the use of technology and pedagogical techniques that would be most appropriate for the class situation.
What skills will help Biology Instructors earn the most?
Stephen Maris Ph.D.: In terms of salary, the skills that will help earn the most are skills related to productivity. Specifically related to my current position, balancing both research and teaching and exceeding in both is the primary avenue for further increases in promotion and salary. Other positions would look for teaching experience and research experience, as well as the skills underlying both, such as time management, writing ability, presentation skills, and others.
Keir Fogarty Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of ChemistryOne University Parkway
Chemistry Department
What soft skills should all Biology Instructors possess?
Keir Fogarty Ph.D.: -Concrete evidence of oral and written communication skills
-As well as interpersonal skills, effective time management, multitasking, making effective use of limited resources
Jason Andrus Ph.D.
Professor and Department Head of Biological SciencesMeredith College
Biology Department
What skills stand out on Biology Instructor resumes?
Jason Andrus Ph.D.: Whenever I have been on a hiring committee, teaching experience is usually the criterion that makes candidates stand out on resumes. This experience does not need to be teaching a full course load for many semesters - even guest lecturing helps. ( I should qualify that I am only considering positions at schools with a primary focus on undergraduate education.) But the more teaching experience a candidate has, the more likely the search committee will consider that candidate as a viable option.
Moreover, the more varied the courses that a candidate has taught, the more flexibility that candidate could bring to our organization. As a smaller department with a lot of courses to offer, being able to have faculty to teach multiple courses provides us with opportunities to make our curriculum not just meet the needs of our students but also offers flexibility to work with our faculty to help meet their professional goals as well.
One thing that can HURT your resume is emphasizing the wrong things. It is important to know the school where you are applying to and what their teaching/research load is. At a primary teaching institution, highlighting your vast research and funding record can actually work against you. Ultimately, we want to provide faculty with challenging and rewarding work; and while your stellar publication and funding record is fantastic, at a teaching institution, the opportunities to engage in research are more limited than at a research institution, and the search committee might conclude that the position would not be of interest to you or even a good fit! Each school that you apply to will have different expectations, so know the school culture and expectations when you apply. You can learn a lot about this by reading the school's mission statement, faculty pages, and (if available) the faculty handbook - especially the section on the faculty role model.
What soft skills should all Biology Instructors possess?
Jason Andrus Ph.D.: Collaboration, communication, organization, and leadership are all valuable. As you will be working with other faculty to educate students through the curriculum, knowing what skills students need in future classes is imperative and requires working closely with other faculty in your department. Effective communication goes hand in hand with being a good educator. Not only are you communicating content with students, but you also need to effectively articulate course learning objects, expectations, and requirements to be as transparent in your course as possible. Organization is necessary to manage numerous courses and scores of students, providing timely feedback so students have an opportunity to improve and learn. Lastly, leadership is essential for effective classroom management; this is also the soft skill that takes the longest to develop in faculty and is why experience is so valued.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Biology Instructors?
Jason Andrus Ph.D.: Technical knowledge and skills in the courses that you will be teaching are crucial to giving students an authentic and rewarding experience. Of course, good scientific practice is a must, but also recognize that doing good science does not require lots of time and resources. Demonstrating that you can engage students in science at the institution, you are applying to will really stand out. This can be accomplished by identifying possible collaborators within the department or school, putting together a mock syllabus for a lab, or writing a description of an undergraduate research proposal using a limited budget and resources in your application packet. These strategies will always be looked on favorably by hiring committees.
What skills will help Biology Instructors earn the most?
Jason Andrus Ph.D.: As most schools operate as nonprofits, budget dictates earnings more than anything else, so opportunities to earn more will likely be tied to the finances of the institution you are applying to. But experience will give you more leverage to negotiate. Also, many teaching universities offer 9-month positions and may have opportunities to earn more with summer teaching, so again, having the ability to teach multiple courses will increase the chances of teaching in the summer for extra income.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Biology Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Richard Allsopp Ph.D.: Hard to say, but I don't see a negative impact
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Biology Instructors?
Richard Allsopp Ph.D.: Perhaps in dealing with viral infections, due to Covid, which is certainly
What will help Biology Instructors increase their earning potential?
Richard Allsopp Ph.D.: Hard to say
Steven Holladay Ph.D.
Professor and HeadUniversity of Georgia
Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Biology Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Steven Holladay Ph.D.: The pandemic has changed how we teach anatomy (online-only at first; smaller groups of students now (half-class at a time in the dissection lab), masks in lectures, masks + shields in the dissection lab) but hasn't otherwise greatly changed our instruction. We lost an anatomist early in the pandemic (non-virus causes) and are presently advertising to replace that person, therefore still in hiring mode.
What skills stand out on Biology Instructor resumes?
Steven Holladay Ph.D.: Our instruction is veterinary anatomy; we prefer a DVM degree but PhDs with experience and no DVM are also fairly common. Our hiring then varies considerably depending on what we're targeting. If we want a heavy instructional effort, we may hire a lecturer and have no research expectations. Or we may advertise a tenure-track/tenured position at assistant/associate/full professor level with expectations that range from collaborative research to creating and maintaining an extramurally-funded program.
What experience really stands out on Biology Instructor resumes?
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice: The experience that most stands out on resumés, to my mind, is definitely internships or anything where the applicant has had to show initiative and exercise independent thought.