The Highest Paying Biology Jobs and their Salaries

This article provides a list of the highest paying biology jobs. Also, it provides a brief description of these jobs and their salaries.

The Highest Paying Biology Jobs

The biology field is one of the prestigious and rewarding fields in science. To help those who are biology graduates or interested in biology, we present a list of the high-paying jobs you can get with a biology degree.

• Microbiologist 
• Food Scientist 
• Environmental Specialist
• Biology Technician 
• Physician Assistant
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative 
• Biotechnologist 
• Microbiologist 

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms’ and microbes’ lifecycle, habitat, and economic importance. Bacteria, viruses, eukaryotes, fungi, protozoa, and algae are the types of microorganisms that microbiologists study. 

Not all microorganisms are entirely dangerous; we have some of them which are beneficial to plants, humans, and animals. The field of study is one of the best studies in the biology department as it helps us understand and help identify and classify those disease-causing microorganisms and those that are not.

Also, check out the Types of Chemical Engineering Jobs and their Salaries. 

Where can you work as a microbiologist? 

The places a microbiologist can work include the following: 

• Hospitals 
• Medical Laboratories 
• Research institutes 
• Schools / Universities
• Veterinary Clinics 

Salary 

Microbiologists in the United States earn $61,070 as an annual average salary per the indeed.com survey. 

Food Scientist  

Food scientists apply biological science and other scientific knowledge from physics and chemistry to help improve the quality standard of food and safety. 

It is expected of a food scientist to be able to do the following 

• Create new guidelines for food processing.
• Find strategies to improve the efficiency of food production, including processing, manufacturing, and packaging.
• Learn about the many stages of food growth, such as land use and food production.
• Forecast food availability and provide estimated shortfall information.
• Maintaining food safety procedures and creating regulations for quality control.
• Calculate nutritional values and make meals healthier and more sustainable.
• Test several methods for storing food and offer suggestions for improvement.
• Determine innovative production techniques.
• Find food production strategies that are affordable.

Salary 

According to Payscale, the average salary of a food scientist in a year is $68,144.

Environmental Scientist 

Environmental scientists are trained professionals that study the environment to help pinpoint the activities and substances that are harmful to the environment. The environment will need close monitoring because if not, the effect will affect the earth’s inhabitants. 

The roles and responsibilities of an environmental scientist comprise the following. 

• Decide on the best means for gathering data, then compile and examine samples of the soil, water, air, and other components.
• Investigate the degree and type of pollution in the soil, sediment, groundwater, and other media through fieldwork.
• Create strategies to stop, stop environmental issues, or remedy them.
• Provide program research, planning, development, permitting, compliance monitoring, inspections/enforcement, and technical support services concerning environmental programs involving air, water, waste, federal facilities, corrective action, mining, biology, and other fields of expertise.
• Prepare reports that inform stakeholders of the research’s conclusions and recommendations.
• Educate the public, government agencies, and companies on how to reduce environmental and health risks
• Environmental scientists detect risks, such as pollution, to the environment or the health of the planet’s population.

Environmental scientists often perform their research in laboratories after collecting samples from their field trips. 

According to Payscale, the average salary of an environmental scientist is $53,871 per year. 

Also, check out the Highest Paying Jobs in the Medical Field.

Biology Technician 

Biology technicians work in the laboratories, and most times, they are assistants in the laboratory.  A biological technician is an expert in the biology area who gathers samples for examination and performs experiments using various pieces of laboratory apparatus. 

The roles of a biology technician involve the following: 

• Uses a range of databases and reporting platforms to store, gather, and examine study data.
• Collects biological samples while ensuring that the pieces are correctly reported, stored, transported, and delivered.
• Uses established automated databases to input, arrange, and perform a preliminary analysis of gathered data while preparing reports using conventional statistical techniques.
• Employing several database software packages or other presenting techniques, choose a strategy, and then summarizes data to ensure that it is thorough, exact, and properly delivered.
• Enters and retrieves data from other information management and geographic information systems.
• Carries out a range of research and survey methods, analyzes existing data and keeps track of environmental factors relevant to wildlife conservation, management, and control. 

You can work in hospitals, healthcare centers, research laboratories, and schools. The average salary of a biology technician is $45,007 per year, according to Zippia.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative 

On behalf of pharmaceutical corporations, pharmaceutical sales representatives provide pharmaceuticals to hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Building relationships is a crucial aspect of this profession; over time, physicians get to know the salespeople because they get along, making the selling easier.

Also, check out the Highest Paying Jobs in Anatomy.

The responsibilities of a pharmaceutical representative involve the following.  

• Scheduling consultations with medical experts
• Teaching medical personnel about medication usage, efficacy, and adverse effects
• Speaking at conferences for medicine
• Placing purchase orders on behalf of customers
• Finding new customers
• Addressing any issues that current customers may have and reviewing pharmacological literature to remain current with new advances

The average salary of a pharmaceutical sales representative is $75,937, according to Indeed.com. 

Biotechnologist 

Biotechnologists use molecular biology techniques to understand and interact with the basic building blocks of living entities. They look into the genetic, physical, and chemical properties of cells, tissues, and organisms and use this knowledge for practical purposes.

The responsibilities of a biotechnologist involve the following: 

• In a lab context, design, carry out, and keep track of studies using living organisms or biomolecular processes to address issues, enhance procedures, and generate new products.
• Apply scientific understanding to implement various methods and get outcomes
• Analyze the data from your experiments and analyze the results to aid scientific research.
• Accurately document and communicate findings through presentations and reports.
• Install, maintain, and use computers and standard laboratory equipment
• Autonomously and with other scientists in a collaborative environment. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary of a biotechnologist is $63,909 a year. 

Final Notes on the Highest Paying Biology Jobs

A degree in biology can open doors to many job opportunities for you. The post lists jobs that can earn you much more income among the options with the degree. However, this should not be your main focus as other factors are to consider.

Before you go, apply for Available Jobs.