Biologists
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Also called: Aquatic Biologist, Aquatic Scientist, Bioanalytical Scientist, Biological Operations Scientist (Biological Ops Scientist), Biological Scientist, Biologist
Median pay
$98,920
Pay for the broader BLS group “Biological Scientists, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$60,430 – $168,010
People employed
55,850
Whole BLS group
Holland code
ICR
Investigative · Conventional · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
Biologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Biological Scientists, All Other”.
What biologists do
- 01Research environmental effects of present and potential uses of land and water areas, determining methods of improving environmental conditions or such outputs as crop yields.
- 02Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- 03Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- 04Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
- 05Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
- 06Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Biology
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from biologists
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers80% · —
- Natural Sciences Managers80% · —
- Environmental Restoration Planners79% · group pay
- Industrial Ecologists79% · group pay
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health79% · —
Change into biologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Environmental Restoration Planners79% · $82,220
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers78% · $101,920
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary77% · $94,980
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary75% · $84,620
- Industrial Ecologists75% · $82,220
Majors that lead here
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Photobiology
- Radiation Biology/Radiobiology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Plant Pathology/Phytopathology
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Botany/Plant Biology, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.