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How much does a Biologist make?

The average salary for a Biologist is $71,710 per year in the US.

Biologists study living organisms and their relationships with each other and their environments. They earn a decent income across different experience levels. For entry-level biologists, the average yearly salary sits around $35,780. With a few years of experience, this figure can rise to around $55,993. As biologists gain more experience, they see higher salaries, with those in the top 10% earning upwards of $146,950 a year.

Salary ranges can vary based on the biologist's specialty and where they work. Some common areas for biologists include research and development, environmental science, and healthcare. Each of these fields offers different salary ranges. For example, biologists working in research and development often earn higher salaries compared to those in environmental science. This is due to the more technical and data-driven nature of their work.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Biologist?

Job seekers interested in biology can find promising opportunities in several cities. Washington, DC, leads with the highest average salary of $118,576. This makes it an attractive place for those seeking high pay in their field. Other notable cities include San Diego, Baltimore, and Seattle, all offering competitive salaries for biologists.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Biologist jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $118,576 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $84,414.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $118,576
    In Washington, DC, professionals enjoy a blend of scientific research and policy engagement. Many opportunities exist with organizations like the National Institutes of Health. It's a hub where science meets government, providing a unique environment for impactful research.
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  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $106,382
    San Diego offers a vibrant marine biology scene. With its coastal location, many jobs involve research and conservation efforts. Companies like Scripps Institution of Oceanography provide exciting work in a beautiful setting.
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  3. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $106,307
    Baltimore presents a mix of academic and medical research opportunities. Johns Hopkins University is a prominent employer. Working here means contributing to significant medical discoveries in a historic city.
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  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $99,675
    Seattle's biotech and tech industries offer diverse opportunities. The city's vibrant ecosystem supports research in genetics and environmental science. Companies like Ibis Biosciences provide cutting-edge work.
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  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $94,255
    In Los Angeles, biologists work in diverse fields from marine life to public health. The city's varied environments make it a hotspot for ecological and environmental studies. Companies like The Wrigley Company provide innovative research opportunities.
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  6. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $89,296
    Fresno offers agricultural and environmental research roles. Its location in the Central Valley makes it ideal for studying crops and local ecosystems. It's a place where fieldwork is crucial and rewarding.
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  7. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $88,723
    Honolulu’s unique marine environment makes it perfect for oceanic studies. Biologists here often work on coral reefs and marine biodiversity. NOAA and local universities provide excellent research opportunities.
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  8. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $88,332
    Bakersfield offers roles in agricultural biology and environmental science. The city’s agricultural landscape provides many opportunities for fieldwork and applied research. Local farms and universities are key employers.
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  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $87,514
    Portland’s strong emphasis on sustainability creates many roles in environmental biology. The city supports research in green technology and conservation. Local NGOs and universities are active employers.
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  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $84,414
    In Sacramento, biologists work on water quality and environmental policy. The capital city offers roles that combine scientific research with government work. Agencies like the California Department of Water Resources are prominent employers.
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What are the best companies a Biologist can work for?

Eli Lilly and Company, GAP Solutions, Inc., and Dudek offer top salaries for biologists. These companies provide competitive benefits and opportunities for growth. Job seekers should look into these employers for rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Biologist jobs, highlighting Eli Lilly and Company with the highest at $121,435 and SWCA Environmental Consultants with the lowest at $66,657.
  1. Eli Lilly and Company
    Average Salary: $121,435
    Eli Lilly and Company offers exciting opportunities for biologists. They work in many locations, including Indianapolis, Indiana, and San Francisco, California. At Eli Lilly, biologists research and develop medicines to improve people's health.


  2. GAP Solutions, Inc.
    Average Salary: $112,762
    GAP Solutions, Inc. provides a variety of biologist roles. They operate in places like Fairfax, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas. Here, biologists often work on projects for government agencies, focusing on environmental and health research.


  3. Dudek
    Average Salary: $89,486
    Dudek has biologist positions in multiple cities, including Chicago, Illinois, and Boston, Massachusetts. They focus on design, engineering, and consulting. Biologists at Dudek work on projects that help protect and restore natural environments.


  4. Bancroft Construction Services, LLC
    Average Salary: $87,429
    Bancroft Construction Services, LLC offers biologist roles in areas such as Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. They work on construction projects that require environmental assessments and planning.


  5. Tetra Tech
    Average Salary: $81,127
    Tetra Tech provides biologist positions in cities like Denver, Colorado, and Raleigh, North Carolina. They work on projects related to water, environment, and infrastructure. Biologists here help improve the quality of the environment.


  6. Environmental Research Group
    Average Salary: $78,233
    The Environmental Research Group employs biologists in locations such as Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Oakland, California. They focus on environmental consulting and research. Biologists here conduct studies and provide recommendations to protect natural resources.


  7. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $73,680
    The State of Washington offers biologist jobs in cities like Olympia, Washington, and Seattle, Washington. They work on public health and environmental protection projects. Biologists here focus on research and conservation efforts.


  8. AECOM
    Average Salary: $72,858
    AECOM has biologist positions in cities like Los Angeles, California, and New York, New York. They work on projects related to environmental consulting and infrastructure. Biologists at AECOM help develop solutions for environmental challenges.


  9. State of Maine
    Average Salary: $68,778
    The State of Maine offers biologist roles in Augusta, Maine, and Portland, Maine. They work on environmental protection and public health projects. Biologists here conduct research and implement conservation strategies.


  10. SWCA Environmental Consultants
    Average Salary: $66,657
    SWCA Environmental Consultants provides biologist positions in Reno, Nevada, and Denver, Colorado. They focus on environmental consulting and research. Biologists here work on projects to protect and restore natural habitats.

How to earn more as a Biologist?

Biologists can explore various avenues to increase their earnings. They can enhance their skills through advanced education and experience. Specialization in high-demand areas often leads to higher pay. Working in industries such as biotechnology or pharmaceuticals can also provide better compensation. Networking within the field and seeking mentorship can uncover opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.

Biologists can boost their earnings by gaining experience and advancing their careers. Positions with more responsibility, such as management roles, typically offer higher salaries. Seeking out projects that require specialized knowledge can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Relocation to areas with a higher cost of living and demand for biologists can also result in increased earnings. Actively seeking promotions and staying updated on industry trends ensures continued growth in salary.

Consider these factors to increase your earnings as a biologist:

  1. Advance education and certifications
  2. Gain experience in high-demand areas
  3. Seek out specialized roles
  4. Network and seek mentorship
  5. Relocate to high-paying regions

Currently 89 Biologist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Biologist in the US?

Learn what a Biologist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Biologist today.
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Biologist
89 Job Openings