What Can I Do With a Major in Biology?
In college, biology majors learn many valuable skills that directly translate to the working world (even when their jobs aren’t directly related to biology at all). For example, students who major in biology gain a lot of experience running experiments, analyzing results, and formulating hypotheses. These are very valuable skills in all types of business, and every organization needs to hire people who are able to perform those tasks well.
Many biology majors attend graduate school after completing their undergraduate program. Some study biology or other natural sciences, while others go to medical school and train to become a doctor, veterinarian, zoologist, pharmacist, or one of many other related occupations. One of the great things about majoring in biology is that there are so many paths you can take depending on your personal interests and goals.
Some students who major in biology end up working in a field that’s directly related to their studies. Health technologists, physician assistants, and biological scientists are a few of the most common career choices for biology majors. Not all graduates work in an occupation that’s directly related to their major, though. Many graduates work in sales, education, management, and marketing.
Biology majors who don’t attend a graduate program make a median salary of $51,000 per year, which is a little below the median salary for graduates from all other majors combined. Don’t let that fact stop you from pursuing a degree in biology if it’s what you’re passionate about, though.
Career Options for Biology Majors
Below is a list of common career options for biology majors. This isn’t a comprehensive list, as students who major in biology go on to do many interesting things. However, this list should give you an idea of the types of work that would be available to you with a degree in biology.
| Occupation | Median Salary | Median Hourly | Current jobs | Outlook | Required Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergist | $166,400+ | $80.00+ | 661,370 | Good | Doctoral degree |
| Audiologist | $66,660 | $32.05 | 12,790 | Good | Doctoral degree |
| Biochemist | $79,390 | $38.17 | 25,100 | Good | Doctoral degree |
| Biologist Technician | $39,020 | $18.76 | 79,500 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Cardiovascular Technician | $49,410 | $23.75 | 49,480 | Good | Associate’s degree |
| Chiropractor | $67,200 | $32.31 | 49,100 | Good | Doctoral degree |
| College Professor | $62,050 | $29.83 | 1,756,000 | Good | Graduate Degree |
| Conservation Scientist | $57,420 | $27.61 | 18,330 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Dentist | $146,920 | $70.63 | 120,180 | Normal | Doctoral Degree |
| Elementary School Teacher | $51,660 | $24.84 | 1,549,520 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Environmental Science Technician | $41,380 | $19.89 | 29,600 | Good | Associate’s degree |
| Environmental Scientist | $61,700 | $29.66 | 89,400 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Epidemiologist | $63,010 | $30.29 | 5,000 | Good | Master’s degree |
| Family Physician | $166,400 | $80.00 | 661,370 | Good | Doctoral degree |
| Food Science Technician | $32,760 | $15.75 | 21,300 | Normal | Associate’s Degree |
| Food Scientist | $58,450 | $28.10 | 13,900 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| High School Teacher | $53,230 | $25.59 | 1,109,500 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $48,800 | $23.46 | 179,520 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Microbiologist | $65,920 | $31.69 | 16,850 | Normal | Doctoral Degree |
| Middle School Teacher | $51,960 | $24.98 | 659,460 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Hydrologist | $75,690 | $36.39 | 8,130 | Normal | Master’s Degree |
| Nutritionist | $53,250 | $25.60 | 60,260 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Pharmacist | $111,570 | $53.64 | 269,900 | Good | Doctoral Degree |
| Physical Therapist | $76,310 | $36.69 | 185,500 | Good | Master’s Degree |
| Physician Assistant | $86,410 | $41.54 | 74,780 | Good | Master’s Degree |
| Podiatrist | $118,030 | $56.75 | 12,190 | Normal | Doctoral Degree |
| Surgeon | $166,400+ | $80.00+ | 661,370 | Good | Doctoral Degree |
| Veterinarian | $67,090 | $32.25 | 59,700 | Good | Doctoral Degree |
| Zoologist | $57,430 | $27.61 | 19,530 | Normal | Doctoral Degree |
