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Job outlook for embryologists in the United States
Are embryologist jobs in demand?
Embryologist job and salary trends over time
Embryologist jobs over time
Embryologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,864 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,537 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,441 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,596 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,288 | 0.00% |
Average embryologist salary over time
Embryologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $79,746 | $38.34 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $76,875 | $36.96 | +3.3% |
| 2023 | $74,416 | $35.78 | +3.8% |
| 2022 | $71,705 | $34.47 | +2.5% |
| 2021 | $69,928 | $33.62 | --0.5% |
Embryologist jobs by state
Most common states for embryologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,290 | 19% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 96 | 14% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 525 | 7% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 419 | 7% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,958 | 5% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 391 | 4% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 204 | 4% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 134 | 4% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 36 | 4% |
| 10 | New York | 19,849,399 | 638 | 3% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 356 | 3% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 292 | 3% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 287 | 3% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 232 | 3% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 184 | 3% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 97 | 3% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 41 | 3% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 32 | 3% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 19 | 3% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 18 | 3% |
Most common cities for embryologists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 2 | 3% | $95,408 |
| 2 | Margate | 1 | 2% | $69,048 |
| 3 | San Francisco | 3 | 0% | $102,754 |
| 4 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $81,036 |
| 5 | Fremont | 1 | 0% | $102,285 |
| 6 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $101,824 |
Embryologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of embryologist experts
University of Northern Iowa
Lake Superior State University
Santa Fe College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Washington State University
Coastal Carolina University
University of Kentucky
University of Rhode Island
University of Pittsburgh
Stockton University
Macalester College
Pennsylvania State University - York
Cornell University
Quinnipiac University
Saint Xavier University
Norfolk State University
What Embryologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frank David MD, PhD: My main piece of advice is to network. Do tons of informational interviews with folks and then follow up to see if there are possible opportunities or other connections that folks can help you make. Many biotech and pharma positions go to folks with 'inside tracks' because they are recommended by current employees or already know the hiring manager. Also: be flexible about the type of role whenever possible. For example, if you’re looking at an entry-level lab-based job, don’t get hung up on the specific disease area. Or if you’re interested in regulatory science, cast a broad net and also explore roles in program management and medical writing, which involve similar activities and required skills. Finally: it’s great to look for opportunities at biotech and pharma firms, but don’t forget about contract research organizations, consultancies, and other vendors that serve drug companies. Those types of organizations are often more willing to train folks who are coming straight out of school, and those positions are great stepping stones to eventually move 'to the client side' (into drug companies) as experienced hires.
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
Theresa Spradling: All of the jobs that biologists do help other people, and that brings biologists personal satisfaction with their job.
What will help Embryologists increase their earning potential?
Kristopher Koudelka Ph.D.: Always keep learning. These fields change fast! The leading edge is always unveiling new information that can be applied to the area you are working on, and there will be new techniques developed that allow you to answer questions in more efficient ways. You must learn to regularly update yourself through conversations, reading, conferences, and trainings. This change is fun and exciting, embrace it. It will keep your job feeling new.
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
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 an Embryologist?
Jeff Heslep: Find a starting job that gives you a wide range of work to perform. The more experience you can gain during the first few years will help you to hone your skills, decide what areas interest you the most, and give you the opportunity to choose. Learn as much as you can about the various equipment, analytical techniques, processes, and how to troubleshoot minor problems. Take the initiative and ask to learn how to use instruments you aren't familiar with. It is unlikely someone will deny you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge. Take every chance you have to network and get to know the people within your local biotechnology industry. Networking plays a major role in employment opportunities. Work on your written and verbal communication skills. Communicating well will help you stand out. Being able to effectively convey complex scientific concepts in such a way that anyone can understand it can be a powerful skill.
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
Jacob Nordman: Salary potential in my field of neuroscience almost always involves publications, awards, and technical acumen. Therefore, as I mentioned, it is important to start early looking for opportunities that can strengthen these areas. Another important aspect of getting high-profile, and thus high-paying, positions, is being able to tell a story with your research and career. Employers want to see that you have thought deeply and strategically about your career and where it’s going. This will allow them to believe you are a safe bet and worthy of their investment.
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
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 Embryologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Embryologists 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 will help Embryologists increase their earning potential?
Lindsey du Toit: Take every opportunity you can to learn, network, and build an effective team of people that bring a greater breadth and depth of skills and expertise to the work on which you will be focusing. Cultivate a life-long sense of intellectual curiosity and learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Treat ignorance as an opportunity to learn. Questions demonstrate you want to understand the situation/problem effectively and that you are paying attention. Always demonstrate integrity in your work. It is one of the most valuable traits you can bring to your career. Be kind and supportive of your colleagues.
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
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 Embryologist 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 Embryologists 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.
Dr. David Harmon
Professor of Animal & Food SciencesUniversity of Kentucky
Animal Sciences
What Embryologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. David Harmon: Opportunities abound. The job opportunities outnumber current graduates. Decide what you want to be good at and then be good at it.
What Embryologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brian Plouffe PhD: The biological sciences are an ever-evolving field, so graduates may be at the forefront of innovation in the fields of drug discovery and development, agriculture, and healthcare. With the new advances in genetic engineering and molecular biology, graduates will be involved in future advances that may change the work of medicine, food insecurity and sustainability, and climate control. The broad education of recent graduates will also give the foundation to find and keep a career in a wide variety of fields and industries.
What will help Embryologists increase their earning potential?
Arjumand Ghazi Ph. D: Having an advanced degree such as a PhD and even a few years postdoc is a good way to start at a higher level. It often allows one to make up for the reduced earnings during the training periods while increasing long-term earnings.
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
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 Embryologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Embryologists increase their earning potential?
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.
What Embryologist 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 Embryologists 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 an Embryologist?
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 Embryologists 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.
Professor Marvin Pritts
Professor of HorticultureCornell University
International Agriculture
What Embryologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.
Professor of Biomedical SciencesQuinnipiac University
Microbiological Sciences And Immunology
What Embryologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.: The first and foremost would be Critical Thinking. We live in a world where facts can be easily acquired, sometimes even by asking Siri/Alexa/ChatGPT/Google/etc. But critical thinking is timeless and priceless. I can ask anyone on the street what xyz is and they can look it up, but can they provide advice or interpret.
Also being a good steward towards science and being willing and able to communicate not just with peers as we are trained, but also with the public, the politicians, the board members. John Holdren*, stated that Scientists should be tithing at least 10 percent of their time to public service ... including activism. In the ever growing science denialism that is happening in our country being able to communicate science with the public is important. As Peter Hotaz states, "Anti-science propaganda is "killing Americans in unprecedented numbers,""
*Holdren is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as assistant to the president for science and technology, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a Research Professor in Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.
ProfessorSaint Xavier University
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.: For a graduate starting their career in biology, my general advice would be to stay curious and open-minded. Biology is a vast and rapidly evolving field, so it's important to keep learning and adapting to new developments. Network with professionals in your field, seek out mentorship opportunities, and don't be afraid to explore different areas of biology to find where your passions lie. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships can be invaluable in building your skills and credibility.
What will help Embryologists increase their earning potential?
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.: Maximizing salary potential when starting a career in biology involves several strategies. Firstly, pursue advanced education and training, such as obtaining a master's or doctoral degree, which can lead to higher-paying positions and increased opportunities for advancement. Specializing in high-demand areas of biology, such as biotechnology, pharmacology, or bioinformatics, can also enhance your earning potential. Additionally, gaining relevant work experience through internships, co-op programs, or research positions can make you more competitive in the job market and command higher salaries. Finally, consider seeking employment with companies or organizations in regions with a high demand for biologists and a higher cost of living, as salaries tend to be higher in these areas.
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorfolk State University
Biology
What general advice would you give to an Embryologist?
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 Embryologists 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.