highest paying jobs with a biology degree: Biology is an incredibly diverse field of study, allowing students to create a range of career possibilities after graduation. If you’re just beginning your college career and are unsure which degree path to take, don’t worry — earning a biology degree doesn’t necessarily mean you need to become an environmentalist or work in the medical field. Here are 10 of the highest-paying jobs you can get with just a biology degree.
1) Biochemists and biophysicists
Biochemists and biophysicists rank as the third highest paying job in the biology field, and fifth best paying job out of all careers. These professionals study and research the physical, chemical, and engineering aspects of living organisms. Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes that sustain life, while biophysics looks at how physical laws operate in living systems. Biochemists are typically paid more than biophysicists because they specialize in organic chemistry while biophysicists focus on physics. To be successful in this profession you’ll need to have expertise in organic chemistry and physics or electrical engineering, as well as knowledge about mathematics and statistics.
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2) Microbiologists
Microbiologists are scientists who study the behavior of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. They’re in charge of examining how these organisms behave in their natural environments, as well as how they interact with plants and animals. Their tasks also include coming up with ways to control them or kill them when necessary. These professionals typically need to complete at least a bachelor’s degree, but there are many programs available for those who want to go into this field.
Microbiologists can make about $56,000 per year, according to SalaryExpert . That number jumps to $76,000 for PhD-level professionals – still not bad considering the coursework you have to do!
3) Zoologists and wildlife biologists
To see the top ten highest paying jobs you can get with a biology degree, we’ll first need to know what kind of degree. Zoologists and wildlife biologists earn an average annual salary of $72,000, and their responsibilities include studying animals in their natural habitats or caring for animals in zoos. So if you want to work closely with animals and you enjoy the outdoors, this might be just the job for you. These professions require at least four years of college or two years of graduate school; most people choose to study zoology as undergraduates. To become an animal caretaker, you’ll have to complete a 12-week training program in addition to your education.
4) Anthropologists and archeologists
Anthropologists and archeologists study human artifacts and the culture of people. They can work for federal, state, or local governments to monitor cultural resources and historic sites. This is one of the highest paying jobs you can get with a biology degree.
Anthropologists work in museums to preserve and display objects from the past. They also write reports about what they find to share their knowledge with others. Archeologists work in teams to excavate ancient sites for hidden treasures that may not be uncovered any other way. Archaeology is considered one of the more rewarding jobs you can get with a biology degree because you are able to help preserve history while solving mysteries left by our ancestors.
5) Physicians and surgeons
Physicians and surgeons. Average salary: $202,500 Physicians and surgeons are the highest paid of the medical profession on average, earning $202,500 per year. They diagnose and provide surgical care for patients. If you want to be a doctor or surgeon, you will need to complete four years of medical school followed by three to eight years of residency training.
6) Psychiatrists
A psychiatrist treats mental and emotional disorders and often works in conjunction with other medical professionals. They can work in hospitals, private practice, schools, or correctional facilities. Psychiatrists have to have completed four years of college and four years of medical school before they are eligible for licensing. Additionally, psychiatrists must be licensed to prescribe medicine and most hold board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. The median annual salary for psychiatrists is $187,200 so you can see why it ranks as one of the highest paying jobs you can get with a biology degree!
7) Dentists
Dentists are among the highest paid professionals in the medical field. The average dentist earns $146,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is not a one-time salary; most dentists earn this amount every year. However, it is important to note that this figure includes all dentists in all specialties, which may not be what you want to specialize in. If you do want to become a general dentist, make sure you know that it will take eight years of education and on-the-job training before you’re able to charge $146,000 annually for your work.
8) Veterinarians
Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing and treating animal illnesses. They can also provide general medical care to animals, including vaccinations. Veterinarians who work with zoo animals may also have to perform surgery or euthanasia on the animals in their care.
Veterinarian salaries vary by specialization, years of experience, geographic location, and employer.
9) Optometrists
Most optometrists work in private practice, where they are often the only health care provider for the practice. They provide vision care and sell eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists also examine patients for diseases of the eye such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, provide medical or surgical treatment when necessary, and diagnose other eye diseases. The median annual salary for an optometrist is $103,000 per year.
10) Physical therapists
highest paying jobs with a biology degree is One of the best jobs for a biology degree is becoming a physical therapist. Physical therapists work with children who have disabilities and help them to regain their mobility, work on their speech, and improve their strength. They also work with people who are paralyzed or have broken bones or joint injuries. Most physical therapists are employed by hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools or clinics, but they can also be self-employed. A bachelor’s degree in biology is required to become a physical therapist along with licensing in the state you plan to practice in. The median salary for physical therapists is $75,000 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and salaries can go as high as $100,000 annually depending on where you live and what type of employer you’re working for.