How much does a biologist make?
a year · about $48 an hour
A typical biologist in the United States makes $98,920 a year, about $48 an hour, about 1.9× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A biologist may collect plant or animal samples in the field, then study them with lab tools and computer programs. They analyze the results, write reports, and explain their findings to coworkers or the public.
Did you know? Biologists can detect a fish without seeing it: they test water for DNA the fish leaves behind in skin cells, waste, or mucus.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $60,430 and $168,010How do you become one?
In the United States, study biology or a related science in college and earn a bachelor’s degree. Many biologists continue to a master’s or Ph.D. for advanced research or university jobs, and the right path depends on their specialty.
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can rise with experience, advanced degrees or job-relevant credentials, specialized knowledge, and greater responsibility. It also differs by employer sector and location; some biologists work long or irregular field schedules, which can change total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($121,680), lowest in Missouri ($63,290).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,430 | $98,920 | $168,010 | about 56,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $121,680 | about 5,000 |
| California | $113,530 | about 12,000 |
| Washington | $108,110 | about 3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $107,100 | about 3,000 |
| New Jersey | $104,750 | about 540 |
Official definition: All biological scientists not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1029.04
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/19-1029.04
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.fws.gov/story/2021-06/biologists-use-dna-locate-invasive-and-endangered-spec
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY