Biologists
Overview
Introduction
Biologists, also known as life scientists and biological scientists, study the origin, development, anatomy, function, distribution, and other basic principles of living organisms. They are concerned with the nature of life itself in humans, microorganisms, plants, and animals, and with the relationship of each organism to its environment. Biologists perform research in many specialties that advance the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry. Approximately 133,050 biological scientists are employed in the Un...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Earnings for biological scientists vary extensively based on the type and size of their employer, the individuals level of education and experience, and the area of biology in which the scientist specializes. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that biologists earned the following median annual salaries in May 2023 by specialty: biochemistry and biophysics, $107,460; microbiology, $85,47...
Work Environment
The biologists work environment varies greatly depending upon the position and type of employer. One biologist may work outdoors or travel much of the time. Another wears a white smock and spends years working in a laboratory. Some work with toxic substances and disease cultures; strict safety measures must be observed.
Some biologists frequently work under pressure. For example, those e...
Outlook
Employment in the life, physical, and social sciences is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL reports the following employment outlooks by specialty:
- biochemists and biophysicists: faster than the average (+7 percent)
- environmental scientists and specialists: faster than th...