The life science industry is vast, and there are ample opportunities. Here are some of the highest-paying jobs you can get with a biology degree as well as a brief overview of what each job entails.
The scope of a biology degree is quite vast. It can be used in a number of settings, from hospitals and clinics to research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.
Careers in this field are both numerous and varied, which is good news for those with a passion for the life sciences, especially if you’re looking to make a good salary.
The Highest Paying Jobs You Can Get with a Biology Degree
In order to pursue the highest paying jobs in this field, however, you may need to complete further education and/or training. Here are some of the highest-paying jobs you can get with a biology degree as well as a brief overview of what each job entails.
Molecular Biologist
If you’re interested in working in a research setting with a focus on the building blocks of life, a career as a molecular biologist may be for you. This role will see you working with DNA and other biomolecules to better understand how they work. Often, you’ll find yourself working in a team to design and carry out experiments, as well as analyze data.
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in biology for most entry-level positions, though a Ph.D. will open up more doors.
Aquatic Biologist
The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, and as an aquatic biologist, you’ll be responsible for studying the plant and animal life that inhabits it. Often working as part of a team, you’ll conduct field research, collect samples, and carry out experiments in the lab or even in the field. Your work will contribute to our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the creatures that call them home.
A bachelor’s degree in biology is the minimum requirement for most jobs in this field.
Computational Biologist
Not all careers in biology involve working with living organisms. As a computational biologist, you’ll use your skills in mathematics and computer science to develop models and simulations of biological systems. This is a relatively new field, so you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree - but many employers will prefer candidates with a master’s or Ph.D.
Biotech Paralegal
Even if you don’t want to work in a lab, there are still plenty of ways to use your biology degree. For example, you could become a biotech paralegal, working in the legal department of a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company. In this role, you’ll be responsible for researching and preparing legal documents, as well as providing support to the company’s attorneys.
A bachelor’s degree in biology is typically required.
Genetic Counselor
A job as a genetic counselor will see you working on the cutting edge of medical science, developing and delivering treatments for genetic diseases.
Work in this field can be both immensely rewarding and extremely challenging, as you’ll be responsible for helping people who are suffering from some of the most debilitating conditions imaginable. As a result, this is a highly specialized field, so you’ll need to complete a degree in biology or a master’s in genetic counseling.
Forensic Scientist
If you’ve seen CSI or any other crime show set in a lab, you have a general idea of what forensic scientists do. They use their knowledge of biology to analyze evidence from crime scenes, which can help solve cases. This could be a fun and rewarding career for those interested in both biology and detective work.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most entry-level jobs, but you’ll need to complete additional training before you can work in this field, such as a forensic science certificate program or on-the-job training.
Physician
As a physician, you’ll use your knowledge of the human body to diagnose and treat patients afflicted with a wide range of conditions. Typically, you’ll need to complete four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school and a residency before you can practice medicine.
Your salary will depend on a number of factors, including your specialty, your state and the size of your practice.
How to Know Which Job is Right for You
That depends entirely on your interests and goals. If you’re passionate about aquatic life, you might want to become an aquatic biologist. If you’re interested in using your skills to help solve crimes, you could become a forensic scientist. If you want to make the most money for the least amount of schooling, a job as a gene therapist might be the right fit.
No matter which career you choose, you can be sure that your biology degree will be put to good use. And who knows - you might even discover a new passion throughout the course of education that leads you to an even more rewarding career than you ever could have imagined.
