Best Paying Jobs with a Biology Degree

The field of biology offers a vast array of high-paying career opportunities, reflecting the diverse applications of the discipline in healthcare, research, conservation, and more. With the right education and training, individuals holding a biology degree can embark on rewarding career paths that not only offer financial stability but also contribute significantly to advancements in science, medicine, and environmental conservation.

Podiatrist

• Average Salary: USD 232,000
• Job Description: Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. They perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and recommend therapeutic interventions to address various foot and ankle issues.
• Responsibilities: Conducting examinations, diagnosing conditions, performing surgeries, and prescribing treatments.
• Required Education: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, followed by a residency.

Dentist

• Average Salary: USD 210,000
• Job Description: Dentists focus on oral health, diagnosing and treating issues related to teeth, gums, and the mouth. They perform dental procedures, conduct regular check-ups, and provide preventive care advice.
• Responsibilities: Examining patients, diagnosing dental conditions, performing dental procedures, and promoting oral health.
• Required Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.

Optometrist

• Average Salary: USD 135,000
• Job Description: Optometrists specialize in eye and vision care, conducting eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing eye conditions.
• Responsibilities: Conducting vision tests, diagnosing eye problems, prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses, and providing treatment for certain eye conditions.
• Required Education: Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.

Pharmacist

• Average Salary: USD 123,000
• Job Description: Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by healthcare professionals and provide information about those medications to patients.
• Responsibilities: Checking prescriptions for accuracy, advising on medication use, managing patient medication therapy, and providing immunizations.
• Required Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

• Average Salary: USD 106,000 – USD 120,000
• Job Description: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse Midwives, provide advanced nursing services, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments.
• Responsibilities: Conducting patient assessments, providing treatment, prescribing medications, and educating patients on health management.
• Required Education: Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and specific APRN certification.

Cardiovascular Technologist

• Average Salary: USD 106,500
• Job Description: Cardiovascular Technologists assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac and peripheral vascular conditions using diagnostic imaging technology.
• Responsibilities: Conducting tests on cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, analyzing test results, and maintaining imaging equipment.
• Required Education: Associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology or a related field; bachelor’s degrees are increasingly preferred.

Medical and Health Services Manager

• Average Salary: USD 101,000
• Job Description: These professionals plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers and facilities.
• Responsibilities: Overseeing the delivery of healthcare services, improving efficiency in healthcare facilities, and ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in health administration, business administration, or a related field; master’s degrees are common.

Physician Assistant

• Average Salary: USD 100,000
• Job Description: Physician Assistants practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers, examining, diagnosing, and treating patients.
• Responsibilities: Conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications.
• Required Education: Master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program.

Dental Hygienist

• Average Salary: USD 99,576
• Job Description: Dental Hygienists work closely with dentists to provide care that promotes oral health, including cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral diseases, and providing other preventive dental care.
• Responsibilities: Cleaning teeth, assessing oral health conditions, taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays), and educating patients on oral hygiene.
• Required Education: Associate’s degree in dental hygiene; bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available for those interested in advanced practice, research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.

Medical Scientist

• Average Salary: USD 107,000
• Job Description: Medical Scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often engage in clinical investigation, drug development, and other related fields to understand diseases and develop treatments.
• Responsibilities: Designing and conducting studies, publishing researchpapers, and overseeing the development of new drugs and medical treatments.
• Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree in a medical or related field, such as a Ph.D. in a biological science or a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a career in the field of biology can be highly rewarding, not just in terms of financial compensation but also in the impact one can have on society and the environment. The diversity of roles available to biology graduates allows for a wide range of specialties and career paths, from direct patient care and clinical research to environmental conservation and public health. The key to success in these careers is a solid educational foundation, continual learning, and a passion for making a difference in the world.

Sources

• https://www.nexford.edu/blog/top-10-highest-paying-jobs-with-a-biology-degree
• https://universityhq.org/careers/biology/#20-highest-paying-jobs-with-a-biology-degree

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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