Biologist Salaries

1. Washington, DC
   Average Salary: $118,586
   In Washington, DC, professionals in the field of biology can find rewarding work with government agencies and research institutions. The city offers a unique blend of research opportunities and policy-making, making it a hub for impactful work. Notable employers include the National Institutes of Health and various environmental organizations.
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2. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $98,114
   Seattle, WA, is a vibrant city for biologists, offering a mix of research and fieldwork. The presence of tech giants like Amazon and biotech firms provides diverse opportunities. The city’s natural beauty and commitment to sustainability make it ideal for environmental and marine biology research.
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3. Fort Collins, CO
   Average Salary: $96,044
   Fort Collins, CO, is known for its strong focus on environmental science and agriculture. Biologists here often work in research and conservation. The city’s proximity to natural areas and national parks offers excellent fieldwork opportunities. Companies like the U.S. Geological Survey are prominent employers.
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4. San Diego, CA
   Average Salary: $96,039
   San Diego, CA, offers a dynamic environment for biologists, with many opportunities in marine and environmental research. The city’s coastal location and numerous research institutions make it a prime spot for fieldwork. Employers like the Scripps Institution of Oceanography provide exciting career paths.
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5. Salt Lake City, UT
   Average Salary: $94,359
   Salt Lake City, UT, provides a unique setting for biologists, with a mix of urban research and natural fieldwork. The city’s diverse ecosystems and research institutions offer varied opportunities. Biologists can work with organizations like the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
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6. Anchorage, AK
   Average Salary: $94,332
   Anchorage, AK, is a great place for biologists interested in wildlife and environmental research. The city’s remote location and vast natural areas provide unique research opportunities. Biologists work with organizations like the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
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7. Durham, NC
   Average Salary: $91,982
   Durham, NC, is a hub for biological research, home to many universities and research institutions. The city offers a collaborative environment for scientists. Notable employers include Duke University and the Research Triangle Park.
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8. Atlanta, GA
   Average Salary: $90,981
   Atlanta, GA, offers a mix of urban and natural environments for biologists. The city’s diverse ecosystems and research institutions provide varied opportunities. Biologists work with organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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9. Portland, OR
   Average Salary: $89,408
   Portland, OR, is a city that values sustainability and environmental research. Biologists here often work in conservation and urban ecology. The city’s natural beauty and commitment to green initiatives make it an ideal place for fieldwork.
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10. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $88,628
    Dallas, TX, offers a range of opportunities for biologists, from urban research to fieldwork in natural areas. The city’s growing focus on environmental sustainability provides new avenues for research. Biologists work with organizations like the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
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1. National Institutes of Health
   Average Salary: $121,987
   The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers exciting opportunities for biologists. They work in various locations, including Bethesda, Maryland. NIH focuses on medical research and provides a dynamic environment for biologists to contribute to groundbreaking studies.
   

   
   

2. Eli Lilly
   Average Salary: $114,179
   Eli Lilly is a leading pharmaceutical company with opportunities for biologists. They operate in Indianapolis, Indiana, and other global locations. At Eli Lilly, biologists play a key role in developing new medicines and improving health outcomes.
   

   
   

3. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
   Average Salary: $99,464
   The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers biologists the chance to protect wildlife and their habitats. They work in various locations across the United States, including Washington, D.C. Biologists here focus on conservation and research to ensure the survival of species.
   

   
   

4. Stantec
   Average Salary: $87,960
   Stantec provides biologists with opportunities to work on environmental projects. They operate in many cities across North America. At Stantec, biologists help design sustainable solutions and conduct environmental assessments.
   

   
   

5. Environmental Resources Management
   Average Salary: $81,504
   Environmental Resources Management (ERM) offers biologists roles in sustainability and environmental consulting. They work in cities worldwide, including London and New York. ERM biologists focus on projects that improve environmental health and compliance.
   

   
   

6. Dudek
   Average Salary: $79,136
   Dudek provides biologists with opportunities in environmental consulting and engineering. They operate in various locations across the United States. At Dudek, biologists work on projects that address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
   

   
   

7. State of Nevada
   Average Salary: $72,616
   The State of Nevada offers biologists roles in environmental protection and public health. They work in cities like Carson City and Las Vegas. Nevada biologists focus on research and policy to protect the state's natural resources.
   

   
   

8. GEI Consultants
   Average Salary: $71,941
   GEI Consultants provides biologists with opportunities in environmental consulting. They work in cities across the United States, including San Francisco and Boston. At GEI, biologists conduct assessments and develop strategies to manage environmental impacts.
   

   
   

9. ATCC
   Average Salary: $70,833
   ATCC offers biologists roles in life sciences research. They operate in Manassas, Virginia, and other locations. At ATCC, biologists work on projects that advance scientific research and improve health outcomes.
   

   
   

10. HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc
    Average Salary: $70,225
    HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. provides biologists with opportunities in environmental consulting. They work in cities across the United States, including San Francisco and Seattle. At HELIX, biologists focus on projects that promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
    

Biologists have many opportunities to increase their earnings. They can explore various paths to boost their income. One key way is to gain more education. Advanced degrees often lead to higher-paying jobs. For example, a Ph.D. can open doors to research positions or university teaching roles.

Another way to earn more is to specialize in a high-demand area. Fields like biotechnology, genetics, and environmental science often offer higher salaries. Biologists can also increase their earnings by gaining certifications. These can add value to their skills and make them more attractive to employers. Working in industries with higher pay, such as pharmaceuticals or tech, is another effective strategy. Finally, taking on leadership roles can lead to significant salary increases. Managers and directors in biology often earn more than their counterparts in lower positions.

Here are some ways to earn more as a biologist:

1. Get advanced degrees
2. Specialize in high-demand areas
3. Gain certifications
4. Work in higher-paying industries
5. Take on leadership roles