Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
SOC: 19-1029.04
Common Job Titles
Biologist
Research Biologist
Research Scientist
Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeAnalyze biological data and experimental results using statistical software and computational tools to identify patterns in plant and animal life processes.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign experimental protocols and research methodologies to investigate origin, relationships, development, anatomy, and functions of organisms independently.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize interdisciplinary knowledge from biology, chemistry, and environmental science to develop comprehensive theories about plant and animal life principles.
Advanced
KnowledgeCompose scientific research papers and technical reports documenting experimental methods, findings, and implications for peer review and publication.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate research findings for scientific validity and compliance with regulatory standards in laboratory and field settings, integrating knowledge of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate advanced laboratory equipment including microscopes, spectrophotometers, and DNA sequencers following established protocols to collect precise biological measurements.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform specimen collection and preparation techniques in field and laboratory environments using sterile procedures and biosafety protocols.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate evidence-based scientific principles when communicating research findings to interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and the public.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply computational biology tools and programming languages including Python, R, and SQL to process and analyze large biological datasets.
Developing
MindsetEngage with collaborators and students to mentor, train, and share expertise in biological research methods and scientific inquiry.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Biologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
59,710
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $54,500. 25th percentile: U.S. $67,950. 50th percentile: U.S. $93,330. 75th percentile: U.S. $121,350. 90th percentile: U.S. $159,780. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$54,500
10% of workers earn the following or more
$159,780
Workers on average earn
$100,440
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Biology4.8/5
English Language4.2/5
Mathematics4.0/5
Chemistry3.5/5
Law and Government3.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe Photoshop
C++
ESRI ArcGIS software
IBM SPSS Statistics
Linux
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Oracle Java
Perl
Python
R
Structured query language SQL
The MathWorks MATLAB
UNIX
Technology Skills
Agilent Technologies GeneSpring GX
BLAT
Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST
BioKin PlateKi
Blue Tractor Software DNADynamo
CUBIC
Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software
