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Job outlook for biology research assistants in the United States
Biology research assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected biology research assistant job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for biology research assistants are projected over the next decade.
Biology research assistant salaries have increased 14% for biology research assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 68,334 biology research assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 50,666 active biology research assistant job openings in the US.
The average biology research assistant salary is $50,800.
Are biology research assistant jobs in demand?
Biology research assistant job and salary trends over time
Biology research assistant jobs over time
Biology research assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 68,334 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 71,279 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 70,748 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 67,408 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 62,370 | 0.02% |
Average biology research assistant salary over time
Biology research assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,800 | $24.42 | +3.6% |
| 2025 | $49,045 | $23.58 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $48,147 | $23.15 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $47,486 | $22.83 | +6.5% |
| 2022 | $44,586 | $21.44 | +1.7% |
Biology research assistant jobs by state
Most common states for biology research assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,829 | 27% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 158 | 23% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 94 | 15% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 823 | 14% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 102 | 14% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 719 | 13% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 525 | 13% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 134 | 13% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 152 | 11% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 106 | 11% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 551 | 10% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,124 | 9% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 780 | 9% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 766 | 9% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 272 | 9% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 177 | 9% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 82 | 9% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 55 | 9% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 987 | 8% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 593 | 8% |
Most common cities for biology research assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gaithersburg | 1 | 1% | $55,101 |
| 2 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $49,880 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $52,003 |
| 4 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $71,209 |
Biology Research Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of biology research assistant experts
Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Lake Superior State University
Coastal Carolina University
University of Rhode Island
Stockton University
Macalester College
Pennsylvania State University - York
Norfolk State University
Carthage College
American University
Quinnipiac University
Maryville University
Paine College
Seattle University
Arizona Christian University
Columbus State University
Elizabethtown College
University of Illinois
Maureen Dunbar PhD
Program Chair/Associate Professor of BiologyPennsylvania State University - Berks
Information Science/Studies
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Maureen Dunbar PhD: To maximize your starting salary, try to get as much lab experience as possible during your college years. Undergraduate research, internships, and co-op experiences are wonderful opportunities for students to gain lab experience. If that is not possible, be open to positions that will give you as much lab experience as possible even if you can't see yourself in that specific area long term.
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
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.
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
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.
What Biology Research Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Derek Crane Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCoastal Carolina University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
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.
What Biology Research Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
Jessica Petko: Teaching - Use of technology (virtual reality, AI, remote teaching) and active learning techniques. Research - For cell and molecular biology, experience with bioinformatics (computer programming, working with large datasets, experience with various genome sequencing platforms) and experience with histology and imaging.
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Jessica Petko: While it is possible to enter a teaching position right after your PhD, it is encouraged to get postdoctoral experience. As a postdoc, you will learn new techniques, gather data, and develop projects you can take with you into a tenure track position. The additional experience will be taken into consideration for compensation. Also, negotiate not only for your starting salary but also start-up funds.
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorfolk State University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: In order to maximize the salary potential in the field of Biology, stay focused to the fundamental basics and use your skillset to problem solve obstacles and overcome them with confidence. You are no longer in the classroom, so it's time to show off all that you know. In addition, leverage your skills learned in hands-on labs to maximize your salary potential.
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: As a graduate with a degree in Biology, I advise that you keep up with the technology in the biomedical field. In the age of gene editing, personalized medicine, and advanced implants, the biology degree is a valuable asset to have.
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dana Garrigan Ph.D.: Like all sciences, biology is a dynamic field with new research and technologies reshaping it daily. Remember that credentials are as much about demonstrating your ability to engage in the process of discovery and apply new knowledge as they are about what you know today. Keep learning and innovating!
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are "starting your career" - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.
Craig Magie Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology Quinnipiac University Department of Biological SciencesQuinnipiac University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Biology Research Assistant?
Craig Magie Ph.D.: Decide what sort of biology you enjoy the most, and pursue a career based on that. For example, some students enjoy laboratory science and would be a good fit for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Others enjoy being outside in nature and would be better served by a career in the forest service or something similar. The more you enjoy what you do, the more motivated you will be to do it well. Make sure you have marketable skills employers are looking for and play up your critical thinking skills and adaptability. You may not be familiar with the specific technologies used in a particular job, but if you can demonstrate that you are a quick and eager learner you will be a more attractive candidate.
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology and Forensic ScienceMaryville University
College of Arts and Sciences
What soft skills should all Biology Research Assistants possess?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: -Ability to work independently
-Ability to work collaboratively
-Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders
-Ability to ask questions
What skills will help Biology Research Assistants earn the most?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: When examining job ads for an entry-level position, as I often see that pay is dependent upon experience. I encourage students to apply for internships to obtain skills outside of research and university laboratory courses. If an internship is not possible, then I encourage students to take as many courses with laboratories as they can to increase their skill level and marketability. Students should look for upper-level biology and chemistry laboratory courses that have tangible skills like biochemistry, quantitative analysis, molecular biology, microbiology, or instrumental analysis. Coding courses are also beneficial for students wanting to apply for jobs involving genomic analysis.
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyPaine College
Department Of Mathematics Sciences & Technology
What skills stand out on Biology Research Assistant resumes?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Fundamentals of Biology, Principles, Mechanisms, Understanding of Biological Chemistry, and Evolution.
What soft skills should all Biology Research Assistants possess?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Flexibility, Communication, Leadership, Team work, thorough understanding of underlying concepts for biological principles, etc., are required for Biology students.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Biology Research Assistants?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: I would say knowledge of Biological Techniques, about following the protocols for the ease of use, Experimental plan and design, Research Protocols, Analytical methods, etc.
What skills will help Biology Research Assistants earn the most?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Both Hard and Soft skills explained above would earn the most.
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
What soft skills should all Biology Research Assistants possess?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Understanding human diversity, effective communication (speaking and writing: the ability to convey complex ideas respectfully to a diverse audience) across differences, adept at working in groups, yet also independent thinkers.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Biology Research Assistants?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Empirical data collection: Research skills for collecting original data, analyzing the data, writing up the information collected, and presenting it in a professional manner.
What soft skills should all Biology Research Assistants possess?
Joseph Kezele: The ability to think and reason logically. Too many young people cannot do so because they were spoon-fed and then expected to regurgitate that back.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Biology Research Assistants?
Joseph Kezele: Microscope work
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Biology Research Assistants?
Dr. Monica Frazier: I would hope that it would not be enduring. However, I do realize there may be immediate impacts. Students who did not start their research until maybe the second semester of their junior year are impacted by not getting any time to participate in hands on research experiences. Not having that experience means they miss out on an opportunity to learn laboratory skills needed for certain jobs. In addition, this also impacts student one-on-one interactions with faculty which prevents faculty from really getting to know the student in a way that will inhibit the faculty from providing the employer with a more comprehensive review of the student's ability, work ethic, etc.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Biology Research Assistants?
Dr. Monica Frazier: Depends on the job.
What will help Biology Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Monica Frazier: Unfortunately, there are not a lot of certifications available in this area on the undergraduate side. So for those people, I would say they need to get hands-on research experience, to attend and present their research at conferences and, if possible, get a publication. Having these experiences out of college will help a student increase their earning potential.
David Brown
Professor of HistoryElizabethtown College
History Department
What soft skills should all Biology Research Assistants possess?
David Brown: It's critical to be able to work as a team. Empathy, understanding, a bit of diplomacy, and integrity - aside from the obvious need of technical competency - are highly valued. As always, motivation is terribly important and this can be conjoined with flexibility. If energy and attitude remain positive this will rub off on others and create an attractive dynamic that draws people in. Finally, the ability to make a decision and follow through with it is perhaps too little appreciated.
Ken Paige
ProfessorUniversity of Illinois
Department of Evolution, Ecology & Behavior
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Biology Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Ken Paige: There are looming opportunities for hiring post-pandemic in the field of conservation biology/ecology, broadly defined. The Biden administration is proposing to conserve at least 30 percent (we currently conserve about 15 percent) of lands and oceans by 2030 and a National Biodiversity Strategy which would include establishing climate corridors for species, establishing regular monitoring, reporting, research and development and adequate funding for conservation efforts and employment opportunities.
He also calls for the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps Initiative. This program would put American graduates to work conserving and restoring public lands and waters, increasing reforestation and carbon sequestration, protecting biodiversity and improving access to recreation. The order gives the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and other relevant agencies 90 ,days to create a plan to "mobilize the next generation of conservation and resilience workers and maximize the creation of accessible training opportunities and good jobs."
The Great American Outdoors Act enacted by congress will also provide job opportunities in the field of ecology/conservation. The Act fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, at $900 million per year, supporting up to 28,000 jobs. An additional $1.9 billion per year for five years contained in the Great American Outdoors Act would support an added 59,000 jobs in parks development and restoration of public lands nationwide.
What soft skills should all Biology Research Assistants possess?
Ken Paige: Leadership skills, problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, independence, good interpersonal skills, adaptability
How have salaries changed over time for Biology Research Assistants?
Ken Paige: Salaries have been going up over time with entry level salaries starting at $50k and ranging as high as $80K depending upon level of education.