Toxicologist

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Work Tasks

• Study the effects of poisons on people, animals, and plants; keep records of studies and tests
• Plan studies, collect and examine samples, and write reports
• Examine dead animals or people to find out why they died
• Advise people about dangerous products
• Work for federal, state, and local governments, drug companies, research and testing labs, and colleges and universities
• Work with makeup, animals, plants, human cells, medical tools, microscopes and lab testing equipment, records and reports, and scientific papers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $67,000 average per year ($32.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (93,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (4.0% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A master's degree in toxicology
• Employers Prefer: A Ph.D. degree
• Skills/Courses: College courses include chemistry, biology, and computer science.