Biologist

Work Tasks

Research and study living things
Use what they learn to make new medicines, make the environment better, and improve life
Some look at just one type of living thing, like birds or insects
May work alone or on a team
Work in labs, factories, offices, classrooms, or outdoors
Work with cells and other living things, lab equipment like microscopes, dyes, stains, and test tubes

Salary, Size & Growth

$66,500 average per year ($32.00 per hour)
A small occupation (18,300 workers in 2010)
Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Education/Training

Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in biology.
Employers Prefer: A Ph.D. degree
Skills/Courses: College courses include biology, chemistry, math, physics, and computer science.