Botanist

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Work Tasks

• Identify, study and classify plants
• Study the parts of plants and how they work
• Find out the effects of rainfall, temperature, sunlight, and food on plants
• Study what makes plants sick
• Work indoors in classrooms, labs, and offices, or outdoors where the plants live
• Use vitamins, soil, reports, microscopes, thermometers, and other lab equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $61,500 average per year ($29.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (12,100 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.5% per year)

Education/Training

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