5 High-Paying Careers in Biology

Biology is a natural science that aims to study all living things. Due to the wide variety of life forms on Earth, biology is a rather broad field that covers anything from microscopic cell organelles, all the way to the largest creatures and their habitats. Those who are interested in biology will have many career pathways to choose from, with certain specified fields being in high demand. Here are some great, high-paying careers in biology.

Restoration Ecologist

Over time, certain human activities have had a negative impact on the environment. As a restoration ecologist you’ll be responsible for studying such areas, and researching and developing ways in which the environment can be treated and rehabilitated. Restoration methods may include reforestation, wetland restoration, the removal of dams and other structures, and more.

Those who are interested in a career in restoration ecology should pursue a degree in geology, environmental engineering, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree will get you started; however, those with a master’s degree may enjoy more options for employment and a higher salary. In this role, you can expect to make anywhere between $60,000 and $72,000 per year.

Wildlife Biologist

If you love animals this career is for you. Wildlife biologists are sometimes referred to as zoologists, and their responsibilities include studying our wild friends in their various habitats, observing their behaviors, compiling records, and sometimes even advocating for wildlife and habitat protection.

To become a wildlife biologist, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, wildlife conservation, animal health and behavior, or a related field. Keep in mind that not all colleges and universities offer such programs, so do your research as you apply to schools. As a wildlife biologist you’ll be making anywhere between $60,000 and $88,000 a year, depending on factors such as your location and area of study.

Cell Biologist

All living things are made up of cells, and despite being microscopic in nature, cells are extremely complex. Cell biologists are responsible for analyzing different types of cells, observing the functions they perform, and determining how cells contribute to the formation of larger systems. Cell biologists may also publish scientific articles and books in order to document their research.

If a career in cell biology interests you, be prepared to do a whole lot of schooling! Most typically, cell biologists have either a master’s or a doctorate degree in cell biology, developmental biology, or a related field. In this role, you can expect to make between $70,000 and $102,000 per year.

Computational Biologist

Those who are studying biology and also have an interest in computers and mathematics might enjoy a career in computational biology. These professionals implement computer algorithms in their research and analyses, often studying genetic sequencing and the growth of cells, among other things. In addition to this, computational biologists are often responsible for writing code and creating algorithms.

To get started in your career as a computational biologist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in biology, computer science, or a related field. Once again, this is one of those careers where your education level directly affects your salary, as well as the tasks you’ll be performing. To get the most out of your career, you might want to obtain a master’s degree or a PhD in computational biology. As a computational biologist, you’ll be making anywhere between $76,000 and $130,000 per year.

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians typically lend their expertise to the medical field and public health sector. They specialize in mathematics and statistics, and implement these skills in the design of various studies in which they collect and analyze data sets in hopes of advancing medicinal practices. Similar to computational biologists, biostatisticians will often publish their research in scientific articles.

In most cases, biostatisticians have a master’s degree in biostatistics, public health, or a related field; however, you may be able to get your foot in the door with a bachelor’s degree. Just keep in mind that bachelor’s programs in biostatistics are somewhat rare, so you’ll have to do some research to find a program that works for you. As a biostatistician you can expect to make anywhere between $82,000 and $130,000 a year.

Those who are interested in a career in biology will notice that there are a multitude of pathways to consider, so this list is far from exhaustive. When deciding which career would suit you best, take into account your skillset, interests, and other factors such as whether you would prefer to work in a lab or out in the field. In any case, careers in biology are often very rewarding, and earning a nice salary wouldn’t hurt either.