Biology could very well be the most life-fulfilling career path there is since it involves studying life itself. So if you’re seeking a promising lucrative career in this field, here are some of the highest-paying jobs with a biology degree that you may want to consider:

The Importance Of A Biology Degree 

Biology, simply put, is a natural science discipline that involves the study of all living things. It is a very large and broad field due to the variety of life forms on Earth, so specific fields are categorized by the life scale or the types of organisms studied.

The scope of biology covers a vast variety of sub-disciplines like anatomy, physiology, and other fields that focus on whole organisms and even different topics like animal behavior, population biology, ecology, and systematics, which study groups of organisms. Fields like genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology all study the molecules of life inside the cells and how they help the body function, while cell biology, on the other hand, is an important field that focuses on the basic unit of life. 

Other fields within biology tackle particular types of organisms, such as plants (botany), bacteria and other microbes (microbiology), viruses (virology), animals (zoology), wildlife biology, and marine biology. Some biologists also delve into a particular scale and organism, such as plant cell biology.

In recent years, cross-disciplinary research and the unification of scientific knowledge and investigation from different fields have significantly overlapped biology with other scientific disciplines. For example, chemistry, medicine, and physics, when integrated with biology, become biochemistry, biomedicine, and biophysics.

With its connection to the tenets of life, biology could very well be considered the mother of professions such as medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy and pharmacology, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

Other sub-disciplines of biology include: 

• Aquaculture
• Biotechnology 
• Cell Biology 
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology 
• Endocrinology
• Environmental Biology
• Etiology 
• Evolutionary Biology
• Forensics
• Forestry
• Histology
• Immunology
• Immunopathology
• Mycology
• Neurobiology
• Nutrition
• Paleontology
• Pathology
• Sociobiology
• Systematics / Taxonomy
• Toxicology

Physical Therapist Assistant

Glassdoor Average: $66,885

Indeed Average: $67,159

Comparably Average: $61,180 

ZipRecruiter Average: $59,901

Overall Average: $63,781

A physical therapist assistant’s job is to help physical therapists care for patients. They do administrative tasks and help patients do exercises and treatments as prescribed.

To qualify as a PT assistant, a high school diploma (or equivalent) can suffice to enter a post-secondary education program for physical therapist assistants. Other programs require a bachelor’s degree, with units in chemistry, biology, physics, psychology, and algebra courses. Those who want to become physical therapy educators should get a master’s degree first.

Most states also require physical therapist assistants to be licensed by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). 

Forensic Scientist

Glassdoor Average: $61,312

Indeed Average: $68,760

Comparably Average: $65,227

ZipRecruiter Average: $65,187

Overall Average: $65,122

Forensic scientists collect evidence at the scene of a crime and perform scientific and technical analysis in laboratories or offices to establish objective findings that can help investigate and prosecute perpetrators or absolve an innocent person from suspicion.

Given the nature of this profession, this field of study leaves no room for laziness. Students earning a degree in forensic science must be willing to devote time to study subjects such as biology, chemistry, human anatomy, pathophysiology, and toxicology, which often involve detailed class lectures, labs, and comprehensive exams. 

Environmental Scientist

Glassdoor Average: $70,439

Indeed Average: $62,095 

Comparably Average: $70,735

ZipRecruiter Average:  $66,500

Overall Average: $67,442

Environmental scientists study how molecules interact with one another in living organisms to perform the functions of life. They collect and compile environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, food, and other materials for scientific analysis. They’re also responsible analyze samples, surveys, and other information to identify and assess environmental threats and develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems like land or water pollution.

Aspiring environmental scientists need extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Other companies also require applicants to have a wide knowledge of computer modeling, digital mapping, and global positioning systems (GPS) equipment.

Agricultural & Food Scientist

Glassdoor Average: $56,794

IndeedAverage: $65,160 

Comparably Average: $80,369  

ZipRecruiter Average: $69,851

Overall Average: $68,044

Agricultural and food scientists help solve food, nutrition, and agricultural production problems, where they evaluate the nutritional quality of foods, develop new foods and food processing methods, test new ways to grow crops, control pests, and improve livestock production.

These scientists also conduct research and experiments to improve the productivity and sustainability of field crops and farm animals, create new food products, and develop better ways to process, package, and deliver them.

To qualify as an agricultural & food scientist, one must have a bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field. You can find them working at food manufacturers, government agencies, the military, and more.

Molecular Biologist

Glassdoor Average: $73,062 

Indeed Average: $76,254 

Comparably Average: $67,334  

ZipRecruiter Average: $77,973 

Overall Average: $73,656

Molecular biologists examine plant, animal, or human genetics and their variations and relationships. Molecular biologists can work with DNA and RNA from humans, plants, animals, and other organisms while using their chemistry, physiology, genetics, physics, and biology knowledge.

Aside from having extensive knowledge of biology, environmental scientists need to be thorough and pay attention to detail, have mathematic skills, excellent written communication skills, analytical thinking skills, excellent verbal communication skills, and great initiative.

Genetic Counselor

Glassdoor Average: $70,240

Indeed Average: $78,573 

Comparably Average:  $68,799

ZipRecruiter Average: $78,385

Overall Average: $73,999

Genetic counselors are specially-trained health professionals specializing in genetics, counseling, and medical ethics. They provide a critical service to people considering genetic testing by helping them identify their risk for certain disorders and assess individual or family risk for various inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and congenital disabilities. 

These may be involved in cancer genetics, prenatal diagnosis, and carrier testing for genetic disorders. They also participate in diagnostic testing for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Genetic counselors must have effective communication skills to gather sensitive information from patients, interpersonal skills to counsel, empathize with patients and communicate sensitive information, and analytical skills and the ability to use their judgment to interpret a person’s hereditary risk of diseases and possible contributing factors.

Biochemist

Glassdoor Average: $71,292

Indeed Average: $86,068

Comparably Average:  $90,179

ZipRecruiter Average:  $58,102

Overall Average: $76,410

Biochemists work on the chemical makeup of living organisms and their processes, including DNA and proteins. They analyze blood and urine samples to determine them for certain diseases and plan and conduct complex projects in basic and applied research. 

Additionally, they manage laboratory teams, monitor their work’s quality, and isolate, analyze, and synthesize proteins, fats, DNA, and other molecules.

Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or another related field to get an entry-level job in this field. However, if you want to work independently or on research projects, you’ll need a Ph.D.

Biochemists may be employed by government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other possible employers include pharmaceutical companies, oil companies, and research laboratories.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Glassdoor Average: $81,430

Indeed Average: $89,779

Comparably Average:  $75,888

ZipRecruiter Average:  $79,433 

Overall Average: $81,633

Pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSRs) are people tasked with informing clinicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare professionals about the potential medical benefits of their company’s product line. They frequently meet with healthcare professionals to describe the drug’s chemistry, uses, possible side effects, and potential interactions.

A good pharmaceutical sales rep should have excellent people skills as they will often interact with potential customers. They should have strong product knowledge, prospecting, and closing skills, have the determination for sales and be able to travel at a moment’s notice.

Higher education levels are often recommended for this post. Pharmaceutical companies generally only hire sales representatives with a four-year bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college. While a specific major isn’t required, aspirants who are pharmacology, pharmacy, chemistry, or biology graduates can offer a better advantage. 

Registered Nurse

Glassdoor Average: $91,912

Indeed Average:  $90,750

Comparably Average: $78,775

ZipRecruiter Average:  $77,012

Overall Average: $84,612

A registered nurse, or RN, typically monitors patients, administers medications, keeps records, consults with healthcare providers, and works to promote health, prevent illness and help patients cope with illnesses according to the policies and standards of their employer. Nurses also educate patients and the public about various medical conditions.

While it’s common for nurses to work primarily in hospitals, physician’s offices, and surgical clinics, they can also work in assisted living facilities, patient homes, large corporations, schools, and even military and government institutions.

As an RN, you can work with various patient populations and within many specializations. You can work in pediatrics, oncology, senior care, ambulatory care, rehabilitation, radiology, operations, family medicine, and more.

A registered nurse typically needs an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and must be licensed by the state where they plan to practice.

Veterinarian

Glassdoor Average: $146,720

Indeed Average: $114,442

Comparably Average: $85,000

ZipRecruiter Average: $107,697

Overall Average: $113,465

Veterinarians are responsible for providing animals with medical and dietary care when needed most. They uphold a high standard of excellence in their professional skills and personal conduct to deliver treatment recommendations tailored specifically to a pet’s needs.

The work of the veterinarian isn’t just limited to treating animals hands-on. It’s also their responsibility to educate owners about their pet’s basic needs and treatments. If the animal in question is suffering from a certain condition, they prescribe animal medication and offer advice on how best to take care of them throughout every phase.

Veterinarians must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. The program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical components and generally takes 4 years to finish.

Pharmacist

Glassdoor Average: $123,522

Indeed Average: $116,792

Comparably Average:  $118,280

ZipRecruiter Average:  $115,762

Overall Average: $118,589

Pharmacists are medication experts and help people with their medications. They prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and remind patients of their medications’ proper and recommended use.

Pharmacists perform routine quality control testing procedures on their company’s product line. They also need to prepare and maintain all necessary records required by federal, state, and local regulations.

Pharmacists are required to complete a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree, usually in a four-year pharmacy school program. Most PharmD programs require students to complete extensive prerequisite coursework before applying for admission. These courses include biology, microbiology, physics, math, statistics, and chemistry. Pharmacy schools also require prospective students to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and submit their test scores. 

Physician Assistant

Glassdoor Average: $148,952

Indeed Average: $108,031

Comparably Average: $107,150

ZipRecruiter Average: $110,839

Overall Average: $118,743

Physician assistants (PAs) help provide medical treatment and services under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They examine, diagnose and treat patients, provide health education, assist in surgery, and order medical tests. 

The educational requirement is a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant training program that meets the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) standards. Most biology jobs for physician assistants require at least 2 years of clinical experience working as a medical assistant or paramedic to qualify for formal training programs. 

Podiatrist

Glassdoor Average: $191,639

Indeed Average: $137,486

Comparably Average: $116,475

ZipRecruiter Average:  $127,539

Overall Average: $143,285

Podiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and related leg disorders. They diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and other foot, ankle, and lower leg-related conditions. In some cases, prescribe medications and even perform surgery.

Podiatrists must have a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited college of podiatric medicine. (A DPM program takes 4 years to finish) and hospital residency training in podiatric medicine and surgery. Aspirants must also pass state licensing examinations to practice.

Dentist

Glassdoor Average: $187,315

Indeed Average: $185,879

Comparably Average:  $150,838 

ZipRecruiter Average:  $173,516

Overall Average: $174,387

Dentists are important professionals in the medical and science industry. They perform routine dental checkups, procedures, and help patients maintain healthy teeth, gums, and oral health. In some cases, such as if a patient needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, a dentist can perform surgery on the jaw or mouth.

To become a dentist, students must attend dental school after receiving their undergraduate degree. Once they have completed dental school, students must get their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Finally, they must secure a state license to practice.

Oncologist

Glassdoor Average: $213,982 

Indeed Average: $287,337 

Comparably Average: $189,597 

ZipRecruiter Average:  $323,766

Overall Average: $253,671

Oncologists treat cancer and provide medical care for people diagnosed with cancer. An oncologist may also be called a cancer specialist. An oncologist will manage a patient’s care throughout the disease, from diagnosis to recovery or death. 

The field of oncology has 3 major areas based on treatments: medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. There, oncologists will then coordinate treatment plans and prescribe various types of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, which may be conducive to the patient’s condition.

Doctors must comply with specific education and experience requirements to become licensed oncologists, which include a 4-year bachelor’s degree and 4 years of training at an accredited medical school. After they finish medical school, students will then begin training in oncology.

Once they graduate from medical school, aspiring oncologists must complete a residency program, followed by a fellowship in their chosen oncology subfield.

Takeaway

Biology is an important field of science that helps us understand how living things function, evolve, and interact. That way, advances in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and many other areas are made to improve the quality of living.  

Being a comprehensive field, biology-related professions can be taxing and complicated, but generally pay well. If you’re considering treading this career path, it’s important that you equip yourself with the necessary degrees and skills to increase your chances of qualifying for a position.