Career profile · SOC 19-1029.04

Biologists

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

Biologists research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions. The role reports a median annual salary of $93,330 in the US with the middle 80% earning between $49,790 and $154,320 and is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.49 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Critical Thinking, Science, Reading Comprehension, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving.

Median salary
$93,330
per year
Growth outlook
Little Or No Change
BLS 10-yr
Education
Bachelor's degree
AI exposure
4.9/10
automation risk

Salary distribution (US)

Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.

Bottom 10%
$49,790
25th %ile
$65,390
Median
$93,330
75th %ile
$119,600
Top 10%
$154,320

Top skills

Critical Thinking Science Reading Comprehension Active Learning Complex Problem Solving Writing Mathematics Speaking Active Listening Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge you'll build

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training

Frequently asked questions

What does Biologists do?

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

How much does Biologists earn?

The median annual salary for Biologists in the US is $93,330. The middle 80% of workers earn between $49,790 and $154,320 annually. Entry-to-mid-career earners typically fall between $65,390 and $119,600.

What is the job outlook for Biologists?

The role is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 63,700 workers.

How do I become a biologists?

The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Biologists need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include Critical Thinking, Science, Reading Comprehension, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Writing. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Biologists?

Our AI-durability model gives Biologists a score of 0.49 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Biologists has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.

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