Top careers for biology graduates “a perfect list with job nature and salary”

“In a broad sense Profession or career is an occupation which any one adopts in his/her life and is identified in society having particular skill, well maintained by continuous professional development” 

   “Biology is the scientific study of life or living organisms”     When we say about living or life, it means that we are saying about detailed aspects of all types of living organism. So, Knowledge about living organisms is categorized in to many branches and sub branches of biology called biological disciplines. “It is difficult to discuss all biology careers or professions but we have tried our best to include  “list of main professions of biology” in this post”.                         

  Well! Now, Story is becoming simpler.

To take biology as a career or to be a Biologist, someone has to be taken one or more of these disciplines as a major during his/her studies. So, a biologist can be zoologist, botanist, microbiologist, pharmacists, and agriculturist etc if he/she studies zoology, botany, microbiology, pharmacy and agriculture respectively. Here, next is the list of main professions of biology.

         

  Complete list of famous Jobs / careers in biology 

For better understanding we can divide biological careers or professions in to headings and subheadings.

Biology Careers in “Medical field”

Medical field is concerned with the study of human’s health issues. This includes study of human physiology, genetics, morphology, human diseases, psychology etc. Here is the list of few well known careers in medical field.

Surgeon

Duties of Surgeon are to observe patient’s medical history, physical condition, lab test reports to verify operation’s necessity.

Surgeon performs diagnosis of the patient before operation, performs operation, and provides the postoperative care and treatment to the patient. The surgeon must has to make important decisions about the patient’s health, safety, and welfare.

He also coordinates and defines the duties of other medical staff such as nurses, assistants, specialists, etc.

Average salary/year of Surgeon in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 =$266,666, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of General Surgeon salaries ranges between $200,000 to $350,000 across the United States.

Physician

Duty of Physician generally called medical practitioner or medical doctor, is to examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medicine, and advise diagnostic tests. He advises patient specific diet plan, hygienic and preventive measures etc. He is considered as a role model in society, in matters of health.

Average salary/year of Physician in USA As of Dec 26, 2018 = $219,792, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of physician salaries range between $150,000 to $308,000 across the United States.

Physician assistant

Physician Assistant carry out same tasks as a medical doctor does.  For example, examining patients, Reviewing patients’ medical histories , prescribing medicine, ordering diagnostic lab tests etc.  He works under the supervision of physician or surgeon.

Average salary/year of part time physician assistant in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 is  $116,856, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of part time physician assistant salaries range between $98,500  and $129, 000 across the United States.

Pathologist

Clinical pathologists help doctors in making decisions about diagnosis and treatment of a disease. They examine body fluids such as blood, urine, bone marrow etc. They can also recommend other physicians about the most effective drugs to treat infections.

Anatomic pathologist works directly with surgeons to give an instant diagnosis of surgical specimens.

Average salary/year of Pathologist in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 = $92,712, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of pathologist ranges between $70,500 to $106,500 across the United States.

Physical therapist

Physical therapist’s job nature is to help people with physical injuries or illnesses to regain control on their movement and manage pain.  By assessing root cause of trauma a physical therapist tries to recover patients completely from injuries, illnesses, and surgery.

Average salary/year of physical therapist in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 is $62,852, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of physical therapist ranges between $38,000 and $83,000 across the United States.

Exercise physiologist

 Exercise physiologists analyze their patient’s fitness to help in improving their health. They create exercise programs for targeted improvements in individual’s physical limitations and strengths. Exercise physiologists help patients with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary (lung) disease etc.

 The average Exercise Physiologist’s salary in the United States is $52,066 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $45,959 and $59,757. (By Salary.com)

Podiatrist

Podiatrist also known as a podiatric physician is foot and ankle surgeon that provides medical and surgical care to people with lower leg problems such as foot, ankle, etc. They diagnose, treat, and even perform surgery in case of the injuries and diseases of the lower extremities.

The average Podiatrist salary in the United States is $199,374 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $164,735 and $263,976. (By Salary.com)

Pharmacist

Pharmacist performs job of Preparing medications by reviewing physician orders, monitor drug therapies and detects therapeutic incompatibilities. He supervises packaging, and labeling pharmaceuticals. He trains pharmacy technicians and provides advice for healthy living. He also checks for potentially dangerous drug interactions during multiple medications.

The average Pharmacist salary in the United States is $129,963 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $122,229 and $138,781. (By Salary.com)

Lab technician

Lab technicians have skill to perform highly technical mechanical or diagnostic tests in medical or scientific laboratories. They collect samples, perform tests on biological specimens, body fluids, teeth, chemical compounds etc.

 The average Medical Laboratory Technician salary in the USA is $51,410 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $46,036 and $56,458 (By Salary.com)

Nutritionist / Dietician  

Dietitians and nutritionists provide nutrition therapy. Their place of working is in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities (old age homes), private practice and other institutions. They create nutritional plans which are based on the health requirements of patients or residents.  They also guide community how to lead a healthier lifestyle. They study the effects of food on a human’s health and advisee specific dietary plans for a healthy lifestyle.

The average salary for nutritionists/dietetic technician, as of May 2017, was$26,500/ year. (By United States Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Nurse

Nursing job requires treating sick and injured patients, helping doctors to diagnose patients, perform medication paperwork etc. Nurses also offer advice as well as emotional support to the patients and their families.  

The average Staff Nurse – RN – Operating Room salary in the USA is $75,472 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $67,719 and$83,432 (By Salary.com)

Forensic scientist

Forensic scientist provides legal scientific proof, of crime often based on the DNA finger printing. (Matching suspect’s DNA with criminal DNA). Mostly they work in criminal cases but some times are involved in civil proceedings as well. Evidences form crime spot, such as hairs, blood, fibers or tissue are collected and evaluated in lab, to provide biological proof to identify criminal.

Average salary/year of Forensic scientist in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 is $59,977, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of Forensic scientists range between $32,000 and $67,000 across the United States.

Coroner/ medical examiner

Primary function of a coroner is to investigate the causes of any unnatural death. If foul play is suspected, he confirms, certifies, and determines the cause of death of a person in a particular jurisdiction. He predicts the possible cause and way of death, by autopsies. During autopsies, he inspects the dead body to identify marks or other crucial evidence that indicates how he or she has died.

 Average salary/year of Coroner in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 is $50,425, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of Coroner ranges between $29,000 and $59,500 across the United States.

Emergency medical technician  

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) deals emergency calls to provide immediate and efficient care to the critically ill and injured patients. Patients receive their quick reaction and competent care for emergency medical assistance, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bandaging a wound etc. They assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment i.e. either to Provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients.

The average Emergency Medical Technician salary in the USA is $35,407 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $31,959 and $39,655 (By Salary.com)

Chiropractor

Chiropractors perform job of caring patients with health problems of the neuro- musculoskeletal system. Patients may have problems in nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons etc.

They use a variety of therapies and physical techniques (such as massage and rehabilitative exercise) to treat patients.  Problems in patients may involve disorders or injuries of spinal cord, pain in back bone, shoulder, neck or joint etc.

 The average salary of Chiropractor in the USA is $146,602 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $124,575 and $202,097 (By Salary.com)

Biology Careers in “Animal Sciences field”

Zoologist

Zoologists are biological scientists who have specialized in the study of animals in different ecosystems. Their job description mainly focuses on researching habits, behavior and physical characteristics of animals, observing interaction of animals and their environment and geographical distribution of animals. They also study the origin and development of animal species and the impacts humans on wildlife and natural habitats.

The average salary of Zoologist in the USA is $71,886 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between $58,876 and $88,652. (By Salary.com)

Veterinarian

Primary job of Veterinarians is to take care for the health of animals. Diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals are diagnosed and treated by Veterinarians. They dress wounds of animals, perform surgery, vaccinate them against diseases and Prescribe medication. They also  advise animal owners about their care, medical conditions, and treatment.

The average Research Veterinarian – Higher Ed. salary in the USA is $104,703 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between between $88,915 and $122,160 (By Salary.com)

Marine biologist

Marine biologists study animals living in the marine environment and research the behavior and relationships among organisms in the marine ecosystems. They analyze the evolution and distribution of organisms in their environment. The marine biologist conducts through research and studies.

Average salary/year of Marine biologist in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 = $53,927, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of Marine biologist range between $37,500 to $63,000 across the United States.

Animal geneticist

Animal geneticists link structural, behavior and physiological abilities of animals with their genetic makeup. They constantly work to explore those genes in animals that produce required characteristics in specific breeds i.e. fast running, more milk, more eggs etc. They intentionally cross different breeds to produce desirable characteristic in offspring or go through artificial selection to have progeny of required characteristics.

Average salary/year of Animal geneticist in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 = $58,399, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of Animal geneticists range between $24,500 to $92,500 across the United States.

 Biology Careers in “Wildlife biology field”

Wildlife biologist

Wildlife biologists perform fieldwork to collect data about plants and animals inhabiting in specific environment. They may perform surveys; identify species, record animal’s behavior, and assess the presence of exotic species in an area. They write field notes, perform research work, write research reports and papers and publish their findings in scientific journals.

They also give presentations of their research findings to academics, Govt. institutions and the general public. They also help policymakers in developing plans for wildlife conservation and management. They set precautionary recommendations on wildlife conservation for general public.

Average salary/year of Wildlife biologist in USA as of Dec 26, 2018 = $54,803, according to the ZipRecruiter. However, the majority of Wildlife biologists range between $34,500 to $68,000 across the United States.

Biology Careers in “Plant Sciences field”

Botanist

Botanists are the scientists who study plants. There are different aspects of plants which have to be studied e.g. physiology, genetics, life cycle, yield, economic value, chemical composition etc. So there are different types of botanists specialized in any one of the above mentioned areas.

Plant physiologists study the effect of abiotic and biotic factors on plants process such as photosynthesis, dormancy, seed formation, flowering etc. These factors may be light, temperature, humidity, wind, water and other organisms.

Plant genetics improve genetics of plants, plant economists are in the search of valuable plants products which can be sold at high price such a seed, fiber, oil, drugs, gums etc

The average Botanist salary in the USA is $66,907 as of December 01, 2018, typically ranging between between $55,264 and $82,579 (By Salary.com)

Agriculture scientists

Agri scientists have very diversified job description. They have to deal with multiple crops and animals species around the world changing from region to region. Generally they should be specialized in understanding crop physiology, production technology, marketing strategies, on farm problems and their solution.

They may specialize in different in fields such as food science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, agronomy etc. However the key element which all agri specialists have to know is that how to increase yield of farm crops and animals so that farmer night be able to boost his profit.

They share their research about crop problems, yield, new introduced varieties, with public and private institutions or farmers directly. In an agri based countries they are the backbone in countries economy ensuring enhancing agriculture share in GDP.

According to data at payscale.com, as of Jul 2018, the average salary for an Agricultural Scientist is $68485 per year or $22.16 /hr.