Are you a biology major who has no idea what you want to do when you graduate? If so, you’re in luck. You’re bound to find a career that piques your interest in this list of 15 career options for biology majors.
1. Nutritionist
Median Pay: $56,950
Job Outlook: 16% growth through 2024
Although nutritionist is not the highest-paying career option for a biology major, it can be the most rewarding. Nutritionists play a key role in helping patients change their lifestyles and improve their health through making positive food choices.
2. Aquarist
Median Pay: $19,780
Job Outlook: 23% growth through 2024
The pay for an aquarist is much lower than some of the other career options for biology majors on this list. With that being said, it’s perfect for animal lovers who want the chance to work up close with their favorite aquatic animals. It’s also a job you can get while you’re still in school.
3. Forensic Science Technician
Median Pay: $55,360
Job Outlook: 27% growth through 2024
If you love the forensics in shows like “Law and Order,” “CSI,” and “NCIS,” then you’d love a job as a forensic science technician. It also sports a solid median wage and a great rate of growth over the next several years.
4. Patent/Intellectual Property Lawyer
Median Pay: $134,349
Job Outlook: 6% growth through 2024
Intellectual property and patent lawyers have to understand the science behind the technology being patented. Intellectual property lawyers with a biology background are in high demand when it comes to cases involving biomedical technology.
5. Biological Technician
Median Pay: $41,290
Job Outlook: 5% growth through 2024
If the lab portions of your college science classes excite you, then you will love working as a biological technician. Their days are spent collecting samples, performing analysis, and maintaining equipment.
6. Medical and Health Services Manager
Median Pay: $92,810
Job Outlook: 17% growth through 2024
The medical and health services manager is the one responsible for making healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes run smoothly. This is a great job for the extroverted biology major, as it requires a lot of interpersonal communication to get things done.
7. Physician’s Assistant
Median Pay: $95,820
Job Outlook: 30% growth through 2024
While becoming a physician’s assistant does require more schooling than other career options for biology majors, it is worth it for the high median pay and staggering 30% expected growth through 2024.
8. Biochemist
Median Pay: $84,940
Job Outlook: 8% growth through 2024
In order to become a biochemist, you’ll have to get your doctorate or professional degree. Your days will be spent in the lab performing experiments. If you work in the research and development department of pharmaceutical companies, then you’ll be working on cures for diseases.
9. Biology Teacher/Professor
Median Pay: $56,310
Job Outlook: 8% growth through 2024
Becoming a biology teacher is another career path for the extroverted biology major. Public speaking skills are required to keep students engaged, even if they think biology is “boring.” On the plus side, good biology teachers are often the catalyst that makes a student fall in love with science.
10. Health Communications Specialist
Median Pay: $50,340
Job Outlook: 19% growth through 2024
A health communications specialist is the health world’s public relations person. This is perfect for the biology major who also has an interest in communication studies. Picking up a minor in communication studies would position yourself nicely for this career path.
11. Conservation Scientist
Median Pay: $60,360 per year
Job Outlook: 7% growth through 2024
This is the perfect career option for biology majors who want to make a difference with their work. Conservation scientists work with farmers to analyze land and devise strategies to best use the land in a sustainable manner.
12. Biomedical Engineer
Median Pay: $86,950
Job Outlook: 23% growth through 2024
Does your love of technology rival your love of biology? If so, then you should consider becoming a biomedical engineer. You could be on the front line of developing artificial limbs and organs that save countless lives.
13. Microbiologist
Median Pay: $67,790
Job Outlook: 4% growth through 2024
Microbiologists study the world that is only visible through a microscope. Many microbiologists work with deadly viruses to understand how to protect humanity from dangerous outbreaks.
14. Veterinary Technologist
Median Pay: $31,070 per year
Job Outlook: 19% growth through 2024
Although the pay isn’t the highest, many who become veterinary technologists do so because of their love of animals. Also, they’re indirectly helping people by keeping the furry (or feathery, or scaly!) members of their families healthy.
15: Marine Biologist
Median Pay: $58,270
Job Outlook: 4% growth through 2024
Many who go on to work as marine biologists have worked as an aquarist earlier in their careers. A career in marine biology can offer exciting travel opportunities to study marine animals in exotic locales.
All Median Pay and Job Growth percentages are from the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. Do you have a degree in biology and work in a field not included on this list of career options for biology majors? Let us know on Twitter!
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