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What Does A Biologist Do?
As a Biologist, you research and study the basic principles of plant and animal life, including their origin, development, anatomy, and functions. Biologists' work is often driven by a passion for understanding and exploring the intricacies of the natural world.
Typically, biologists spend their days focused on a combination of research, data analysis, collaboration, and communication. However, a typical day for a biologist can vary depending on their specific area of expertise and the nature of their work.
Educational Reqiurements
Biologists are required to hold a bachelor's degree, although a master's degree is also common.
How Much Do Biologists Make?
The average salary for biologists is $95,920 per year, with the highest earners making up to $155,570 annually. This may vary depending on your field of study, work, and seniority level.
Biologist Personality Type
Top-performing biologists possess personalities that demonstrate strong attention to detail, cooperation, integrity, analytical thinking, initiative, and a high stress tolerance. As a biologist, it is crucial to cultivate dependability, adaptability, leadership skills, and persistence.
Do you have the right personality strengths for Biology?
If you're interested in a career as a biologist, remember to review the educational requirements and decide if you are able to dedicate yourself to the required level of education. It is equally important to ensure that your work personality strengths align with the job characteristics of being a biologist.
Pursuing a career that makes use of your natural personality strengths and aptitudes will leave you feeling fulfilled and require less effort. If you want to find out if a career as a biologist is the best career for you, consider taking a career personality assessment. This test will help identify your best career matches and provide insight into how your work personality aligns with a career in biology.
Careers In Biology
Biological Technician
Bachelors Degree
$53,560 - $79,110
Biological technicians assist biological and medical scientists in conducting laboratory tests and experiments. They set up and maintain laboratory equipment, gather and prepare biological samples for analysis, and conduct tests and experiments. They must document their work, analyze data, and write reports summarizing their findings.
Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
Bachelors Degree
$72,610 - $104,750
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and their behavior. They focus on both captive and wild animals to study their interactions with their ecosystems. Their primary focus is to collect and analyze biological data, study animal characteristics, define patterns, and research the impact of human activities on wildlife and natural habitats. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists may also develop and implement conservation plans to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Microbiologist
Bachelors Degree
$88,950 - $136,630
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They conduct research to better understand their behavior, structure, and function and their impact on human health, the environment, and various industries. Microbiologists can also play a crucial role in developing and testing new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools to combat infectious diseases.
Molecular & Cellular Biologist
Bachelors Degree
$95,920 - $155,570
Molecular and Cellular Biologists research and study cellular molecules and organelles to better understand cell function and organization. They are responsible for designing and conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results to contribute to the understanding of biological processes. They may also write grant applications to obtain funding for their research projects.
Biological Science Teachers
Doctoral or Professional Degree
$97,800 - $166,750
Biological Science Teachers take the lead in instructing students in various biological science subjects at the college or university level. They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, and facilitate discussions to help students understand concepts in areas such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany. They may also conduct research, publish scholarly papers, and advise students on academic and career matters.
Quick answers
What does a biologist do?
Biologists study plant and animal life, including where living things come from, how they grow, and how their bodies work. Most days mix research, data analysis, teamwork, and writing up results. The details depend on the field, whether that's wildlife, microbes, cells, or teaching at a college.
What degree do you need to be a biologist?
Most biologist jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, and many biologists also earn a master's degree. Teaching biology at a college usually takes a doctoral degree. The more research you want to lead, the more school you'll likely need.
What jobs can you get with a biology degree?
With a biology degree, you can work as a biological technician, zoologist or wildlife biologist, microbiologist, or molecular and cellular biologist. Technicians help scientists run lab tests. Wildlife biologists study animals and their habitats. Microbiologists study bacteria and viruses. With a doctorate, you can also teach biology at a college.
What personality traits do biologists need?
Strong biologists pay close attention to detail, think analytically, and work well with others. They're dependable, honest about their results, and able to handle stress when experiments don't go as planned. Persistence matters too, since research can take a long time to pay off.
Is biology a good career for me?
It may be if you're curious about living things, enjoy careful research, and are ready for the schooling it takes. Take the free career test to see whether your work personality fits biology and which other science careers match your strengths.
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