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How much does a Biologist make?

The average salary for a Biologist is $71,816 per year in the US.

Biologists study living organisms and their relationships with the environment. They play a crucial role in many fields, from medicine to conservation. On average, a biologist makes about $71,816 per year. This amount can vary depending on experience and specialization.

Here are some specifics on how much biologists earn at different stages of their career:

  • The lowest-paid biologists, around 10%, earn about $39,100.
  • About 13% of biologists make around $48,182.
  • Another 13% earn about $66,345.
  • About 34% of biologists make between $75,427 and $84,509.
  • Those with the most experience, around 10%, can make upwards of $139,000.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Biologist?

Biologists seeking rewarding positions can find top salaries in Washington, DC, with an average of $126,866. This federal hub offers numerous opportunities in research and government institutions. Following closely, San Diego, CA, provides a competitive average salary of $96,338, making it another prime location for biological careers. In addition, cities like Seattle, WA, and Fort Collins, CO, offer solid average salaries above $95,000. These locations present excellent job markets with various industries hiring biologists. Anchorage, AK, also features a strong average salary of $94,332, while Los Angeles, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT, both exceed $90,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Biologist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $126,866 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $85,603.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $126,866
    In Washington, DC, professionals can explore a rich array of opportunities in research institutions and government agencies. The presence of organizations like the NIH and FDA provides excellent avenues for biologists to contribute to groundbreaking research.
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  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $96,338
    San Diego offers a vibrant environment for those in the biological sciences, with many biotech firms and research centers. Companies like Illumina and Scripps Research attract talent looking to make a significant impact in the field.
    Find Biologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $96,323
    Seattle's thriving tech and biotech scene offers a dynamic landscape for biologists. With major companies like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, there are many opportunities to work on cutting-edge research.
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  4. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $95,269
    Fort Collins provides a unique blend of academic and outdoor research opportunities. The presence of Colorado State University makes it a great place for biologists interested in fieldwork and environmental research.
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  5. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $94,332
    In Anchorage, biologists can engage in research that benefits the unique Alaskan environment. The city's focus on wildlife and conservation offers diverse opportunities for those interested in ecology and environmental science.
    Find Biologist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $92,165
    Los Angeles offers a bustling environment for biological research, with numerous universities and research institutions. The city's diverse ecosystems also provide unique opportunities for fieldwork and marine biology.
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  7. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $92,084
    Salt Lake City boasts a growing biotech sector, offering exciting opportunities for biologists. With companies like Intermountain Healthcare, there are plenty of chances to apply research to healthcare and environmental conservation.
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  8. Durham, NC
    Average Salary: $90,726
    Durham is home to prestigious institutions like Duke University, providing a rich environment for biological research. The city's focus on health and medicine makes it an ideal place for those interested in biomedical sciences.
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  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $88,628
    In Dallas, biologists can find opportunities in healthcare and environmental research. The presence of institutions like UT Southwestern offers a robust platform for those aiming to advance in the field.
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  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $85,603
    Portland offers a mix of urban and natural research settings. The city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental science creates a dynamic environment for biologists to explore various research areas.
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What are the best companies a Biologist can work for?

Eli Lilly offers top pay for biologists, providing an average salary of $114,540. GEI Consultants and Dudek also offer competitive wages, averaging over $86,000. These companies lead the field in compensation, making them great choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Biologist jobs, highlighting Eli Lilly with the highest at $114,540 and HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc with the lowest at $66,794.
  1. Eli Lilly
    Average Salary: $114,540
    Eli Lilly offers exciting opportunities for biologists in their research and development departments. They focus on pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovations. Locations include Indianapolis, Indiana; and other sites across the U.S.


  2. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $86,286
    GEI Consultants provides jobs in environmental consulting, water resources, and ecological studies. Their projects span across the U.S., with a focus on sustainability and environmental impact assessments.


  3. Dudek
    Average Salary: $86,154
    At Dudek, biologists work on infrastructure and environmental projects. They focus on water, energy, and transportation sectors. The company operates throughout the U.S., delivering impactful projects.


  4. Stantec
    Average Salary: $86,035
    Stantec offers biologists roles in infrastructure, environment, and buildings. They work on water management and environmental planning projects across North America, Europe, and Australia.


  5. Environmental Resources Management
    Average Salary: $82,339
    This firm specializes in environmental consulting. Biologists here focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance. They operate globally, delivering services in multiple countries.


  6. AECOM
    Average Salary: $75,063
    AECOM provides biologists with opportunities in environmental consulting and engineering. They focus on sustainability and infrastructure projects. They work worldwide, with a strong presence in North America.


  7. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $73,250
    The State of Nevada offers biologists positions in environmental protection and wildlife management. They focus on conservation and natural resource management. They operate throughout Nevada.


  8. ATCC
    Average Salary: $71,042
    ATCC provides biologists with roles in life science research and development. They focus on cell biology and biotechnology. They operate globally, with a strong presence in the U.S.


  9. Environmental Conservation, Department of
    Average Salary: $69,451
    This department offers biologists roles in wildlife and habitat conservation. They focus on protecting natural resources. They operate across the U.S., with a strong focus on local environments.


  10. HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc
    Average Salary: $66,794
    HELIX provides biologists with opportunities in environmental planning and consulting. They focus on sustainable development and environmental impact assessments. They operate throughout the U.S.

How to earn more as a Biologist?

Biologists can find many ways to increase their earnings. Specializing in a high-demand area often leads to better-paying jobs. This could mean focusing on genetics, marine biology, or biotechnology. Companies in these fields are eager to find skilled experts.

Seeking advanced degrees can also improve job prospects and salary. A master's or Ph.D. opens doors to higher-paying positions. These advanced degrees allow biologists to take on more complex research projects. They also qualify for leadership roles within organizations. Working in industries such as pharmaceuticals or environmental consulting can lead to higher earnings. These sectors value the skills biologists bring to the table and often offer competitive salaries. Networking and attending industry conferences can also lead to job opportunities that pay more.

Experience and skill development play a crucial role in earning more. Biologists who gain experience in fieldwork, lab work, and data analysis become more valuable to employers. They can take on more responsibility and lead projects. Gaining certifications and licenses relevant to the field can also boost earnings. Specializations like forensic biology or ecological consulting command higher pay.

Here are some key factors to increase earnings as a biologist:

  1. Specialize in high-demand areas like genetics or biotechnology.
  2. Pursue advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D.
  3. Gain experience in various research and fieldwork settings.
  4. Seek out opportunities in high-paying industries like pharmaceuticals.
  5. Attend conferences and network to find better job opportunities.

Currently 105 Biologist job openings, nationwide.

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Biologist
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