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What is an embryologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
John Turbeville Ph.D.

In human or animal embryo cells, embryologists research their progression. Their intricate studies and useful knowledge help change lives, produce medical observations, and address infertility and reproductive problems. They are also frequently asked to collaborate with doctors to help their fertility and clinical health conditions.

Embryologists operate in hospitals or fertility clinics rather than academic or experimental research centers. This medical place is perfect for people involved in science, who are focusing on laser, are attentive to detail, and can operate with accuracy at a rapid speed.

Embryologists should have a passion for laboratory techniques and strong interpersonal skills. Typically, they require a bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of IVF experience in a laboratory environment to apply for this position. Employers also prefer candidates with the abilities like experience in organization skills, data entry, andrology, and medical research.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies embryologists as medical scientists and reports a median income of $82,090.

What general advice would you give to an embryologist?

John Turbeville Ph.D.John Turbeville Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs/Director of Career Services, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

There is no particular fix, or one size fits all approach to job searching. The ability to successfully network and engage in an ongoing way, in various career-related opportunities, is still the best strategy for success, even in uncertain times like these. Students may have additional opportunities made available to them because of the digital/remote nature of how many organizations are engaging in their recruitment-allowing graduates the ability to experience more, in a shorter period, without limitations of location or travel, that very often enter into considerations surrounding the job search. With that said, however, knowing there is a durable full-time, seasonal nature to early employment opportunities for biology grads, we would expect this to be more prevalent as the economy begins to recover. Demand for graduates in the public health-related fields will likely continue to be high, but graduates will probably need to be even more flexible in starting their careers. Not in the sense that they will need to take positions "out of their field," but instead, that they will need to be more open to relocating for the right opportunities to engage their passions and interests.
ScoreEmbryologistUS Average
Salary
6.2

Avg. Salary $79,746

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.69%

Asian 14.36%

Black or African American 2.92%

Hispanic or Latino 8.19%

Unknown 5.24%

White 68.59%

Gender

female 61.95%

male 38.05%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Embryologist career paths

Key steps to become an embryologist

  1. Explore embryologist education requirements

    Most common embryologist degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.8 %

    Master's

    17.7 %

    Doctorate

    7.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific embryologist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    In-vitro26.09%
    Patient Care16.14%
    Lab Equipment8.80%
    EMR8.50%
    Insemination7.28%
  3. Research embryologist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage all aspects of HPLC method development and analysis through interpretation of data ensuring accuracy of results.
    • Isolate sperms from PESA, TESA and TESE for IVF or cryopreservation Oocyte retrieval.
    • Experience in the andrology laboratory semen analysis, IUI (intrauterine insemination) and ICSI sperm preparation and sperm freezing.
    • Experience working with EMR (E-IVF )
  4. Apply for embryologist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an embryologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first embryologist job

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Average embryologist salary

The average embryologist salary in the United States is $79,746 per year or $38 per hour. Embryologist salaries range between $51,000 and $123,000 per year.

Average embryologist salary
$79,746 Yearly
$38.34 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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