Biologists

SOC code 19-1029 · O*NET-SOC 19-1029.04 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Biologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$98,920

a year

Hourly

$47.56

per hour

10th$60,430Median$98,92090th$168,010

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$106,330

$51.12 per hour

Middle 50%

$76,800 – $127,670

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$60,430 – $168,010

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

55,850

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Biological Scientists, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $60,430; $29.05/hr
25th percentile: $76,800; $36.92/hr
Median percentile: $98,920; $47.56/hr
75th percentile: $127,670; $61.38/hr
90th percentile: $168,010; $80.77/hr

What does a biologist do?

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Research environmental effects of present and potential uses of land and water areas, determining methods of improving environmental conditions or such outputs as crop yields.
Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.

How to become a biologist

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 55% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree55%
Bachelor's Degree23%
Post-Doctoral Training22%

Common questions

How much does a biologist earn?

The national median is $98,920 a year. The full range runs from $60,430 at the 10th percentile to $168,010 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a biologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Science4.6/5
Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Writing4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Active Learning3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Biology5.0/5
Education and Training4.2/5
English Language4.1/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Administration and Management3.4/5
Chemistry3.4/5
Administrative3.2/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.