Biological Scientists, All Other
Biological scientists in this category conduct research on living organisms and biological processes not covered by more specialized roles like microbiologists or zoologists. They work in laboratories, universities, research institutes, and government agencies, performing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings to advance understanding of biology and life sciences.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against biological scientists, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves designing and conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing biological samples, and recording detailed observations. Scientists spend time reviewing literature, collaborating with colleagues on projects, writing reports, and maintaining equipment and databases. Tasks vary widely depending on specialization—some work primarily in wet labs with cells or tissues, while others focus on computational analysis or field observations.
Who this work suits
You do well in this work if you're methodical, detail-oriented, and genuinely curious about how living things function. Success requires persistence through experiments that fail, comfort working independently or in teams, and strong communication skills to explain complex findings clearly.
What it takes
Openings right now
- BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST (ENVIRONMENTAL) · United States Space Force · Schriever AFB, Colorado · $91870–$142022
- Agriculturalist (Risk Analyst)/Biological Scientist · Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service · Multiple Locations · $74678–$101383
- Biological Scientist Environmental · Air Mobility Command · Charleston AFB, South Carolina · $89508–$116362
- Biological Scientist/Agriculturist (Quantitative Risk Analyst) · Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service · Multiple Locations · $90234–$121511
- Supervisory Biological Scientist or Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer · Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service · Edinburg, Texas · $89508–$116362
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $98,700 | $121,680 | $144,890 | 4,970 |
| California | $86,090 | $113,530 | $154,150 | 11,880 |
| Delaware | $81,470 | $113,400 | $151,710 | — |
| Connecticut | $83,480 | $111,940 | $138,900 | 170 |
| Washington | $83,100 | $108,110 | $131,780 | 2,620 |
| Massachusetts | $84,390 | $107,100 | $162,180 | 2,930 |
| Alaska | $89,170 | $106,870 | $120,240 | 370 |
| New Jersey | $82,690 | $104,750 | $128,790 | 540 |
| Maine | $82,490 | $104,570 | $118,430 | 340 |
| New York | $83,420 | $104,120 | $133,750 | 2,520 |
| Rhode Island | $89,520 | $101,750 | $130,480 | 100 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,520 | $100,780 | $123,920 | 1,810 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) — Society of Wetland Scientists
- Andrology Laboratory Scientist (ALS(AAB)) — AAB - Board of Registry
- Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Embryology Laboratory Scientist (ELS(AAB)) — AAB - Board of Registry
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against biological scientists, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-1029.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.