11 best jobs for graduates with a biology degree

A biology degree opens up a lot of doors in terms of career options — and not just in regard to medical school. There are many career possibilities for those who choose to pursue a biology degree, though many do require some extra schooling or certifications – all investments with specific rewards for your long term career, of course.

Read on to learn what we think are the best jobs for graduates with a biology degree.

11 Biology degree jobs for graduates

Here are some job options (in alphabetical order) for graduates with a biology degree, including the job outlook for growth in the field:

1. Attorney

It’s common for those who desire to be attorneys to specialize in the area of law in which they’d like to practice. Those with a biology degree might pursue law degrees focused on medical malpractice and environmental impact. Such law specialties need to have scientific knowledge in medical and health-focused interventions.

Job Outlook: The 2020 median salary of attorneys was $126,930 according to the BLS, with a projected growth of 9% between 2020 to 2030.

2. Biochemist

Studying biology equips biochemists with laboratory and scientific research skills for the fast-growing fields of biomedical and biotechnology research. Designing and developing new products in this area requires knowledge of physiology and anatomy to support biochemists in understanding the impact of biotechnology solutions and drugs on the human system.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary of biochemists was $94,270, with a projected growth of 5% between 2020 to 2030.

3. Biological Technician

Biological technicians, also referred to as laboratory assistants, apply techniques learned by biology majors during laboratory and academic research. This position is ideal for those who prefer not to go to graduate school or choose to postpone graduate school to a future date.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary of biological technicians was $46,340, with a projected growth of 7% between 2020 to 2030.

4. Financial Analyst

If you’re well-versed in biology and have a love of numbers, then a Financial Analyst career might be a good fit. Financial analysts evaluate and advise clients on mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and other financial investments. With a biology degree, you can choose to specialize in financial investments related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health services, medical products, and environmental businesses.

Taking this career route would, in most cases, require relevant degrees like a business degree, or specialized training from, for example, CFI’s FMVA program.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary of Financial Analysts was $83,660, with a projected job growth of 6% from 2020 to 2030.

5. Genetic Counselor

With healthy growth projected, a biology degree is a great start to getting a foothold in this area of expertise. Genetic counselors need to complete a master’s degree specific to the field. They assess the genetic makeup of individuals and share the findings on risks of disease transmission, passing on disabilities to children, and they communicate the risks of genetic disorders in late adulthood. Genetic counselors must possess the ability to apply scientific methods to a growing body of human genome research.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary of genetic counselors was $85,700, with a projected job growth of 26% from 2020 to 2030.

6. Health Communications Specialist

Healthy living, communicable diseases, and health management are health concern topics that Health Communications Specialists educate others about. They often work for healthcare companies, like hospitals, and sometimes coordinate an organization’s public relations campaigns related to healthcare, including community involvement, public relations, and marketing strategies.

A biology major has a solid foundation in healthcare that offers a competitive edge compared to others without a background in hard science.

Job Outlook: According to PayScale, the 2020 median salary for a health communications specialist was $63,335. For general health educator specialists and community health workers, the 2020 median salary was $48,140, with a projected job growth of 17% from 2020 to 2030.

7. Health Educator

Health educators promote wellness. They share information about behaviors and practices that support wellness. Individuals with a biology degree have an advantage considering their studies and coursework help them convey scientific information in a practical way. Health educators provide information regarding safe sex, nutrition, stress reduction, substance abuse, and overall wellbeing.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary for health education specialists and community health workers was $48,140, with a projected job growth of 17% from 2020 to 2030.

8. Health Services Manager

Health services managers spend time working with healthcare professionals to ensure optimal healthcare services and best practices are employed. They must be able to modify medical programs according to scientific regulations, needs, and services.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary for medical and health services managers was $104,280, with a projected job growth of 32% from 2020 to 2030.

9. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

It isn’t a secret that pharmaceutical and medical product sales representatives do well financially. They sell medical products, supplies, medicines, and more to clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare practices.

It is helpful for pharmaceutical sales representatives to have the biological and technological knowledge to better explain how a product or medicine works, which a biology degree provides.

Job Outlook: Many who pursue a pharmaceutical sales representative job remain in the position for the long haul.

10. Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) are in high demand to support healthcare practices throughout the nation. A biology degree provides a solid foundation to pursue a PA degree. PAs must have a sound understanding of biological perspectives of human anatomy, biology, and physiology to diagnose clinical concerns.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary for a physician assistant was $115,390, with a projected job growth of 31% from 2020 to 2030. The top 10% of physician assistants can earn more than $100,000.

11. Nurse Practitioner

Similar to physician assistants, nurse practitioners are in high demand to support healthcare practices throughout the nation. A biology degree provides a solid foundation to pursue a nursing degree. Nurse practitioners must have a sound understanding of biological perspectives of human anatomy, biology, and physiology to provide care for clinical concerns.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the 2020 median salary for nurse practitioners, including nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives was $117,670, with a projected job growth of 45% from 2020 to 2030.

Biology degree jobs are in high demand

These are just a few of the job options available for those with a biology degree. For more information and insights, consider going to your college career center or alumni office for a list of options pursued by graduates within the biology discipline.