Career Opportunities in Biology: What Can You Do With a Biology Degree?
A degree in biology opens more doors than most people realize. While many students initially envision a future in medicine or research, the truth is that biology graduates are in demand across a wide range of industries — from healthcare and environmental science to tech and education.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career pivot, here’s a breakdown of top biology-related careers and the paths that lead to them.
1. Health & Medical Careers
Biology is a popular stepping stone for those pursuing medicine, but even outside of becoming a doctor, there are numerous high-demand roles in healthcare.
Top roles:
Physician Assistant (PA)
Pharmacologist
Genetic Counselor
Clinical Research Coordinator
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Most of these roles require additional certification or grad school, but they’re among the highest-paying options for biology grads. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistants earn a median salary of over $120,000/year and face strong job growth.
2. Research & Laboratory Science
If you enjoy experimentation and scientific discovery, a research career could be ideal. Positions exist in universities, private labs, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Common roles:
Microbiologist
Biomedical Scientist
Lab Technician
Toxicologist
Biochemist
These jobs often require advanced degrees, but some lab tech and assistant roles are available with a bachelor’s.
3. Environmental & Wildlife Fields
Passionate about conservation or climate science? Biology offers a path into environmental stewardship and wildlife protection.
Roles to explore:
Environmental Scientist
Wildlife Biologist
Marine Biologist
Ecologist
Park Ranger
These careers combine biology with fieldwork and policy. Agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and nonprofits such as The Nature Conservancy are frequent employers.
4. Education & Science Communication
If you love explaining complex ideas, there’s a growing demand for people who can teach, write, or communicate science effectively.
Potential careers:
High School Biology Teacher
Science Writer or Journalist
Curriculum Developer
Museum Educator
Medical Illustrator
These roles may require teaching credentials or creative skills, but they offer fulfilling, people-focused work.
5. Business, Tech & Biotech
Biology majors with strong analytical and communication skills can thrive in business, tech, or biotech — especially in roles that blend science with strategy.
Fast-growing paths:
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Clinical Trials Manager
Sales Rep for Pharma/Biotech
Bioinformatics Analyst
Healthcare Consultant
Many companies look for biology grads who can bridge the gap between science and product. Fields like bioinformatics are booming thanks to data-driven healthcare and AI integration. LinkedIn Learning also offers courses to help biology majors reskill into business, coding, or regulatory roles.
Is a Biology Degree Worth It?
Absolutely — as long as you’re intentional. The field is broad, and success depends on how you specialize, network, and supplement your degree (through certifications, internships, or advanced study).
Biology is one of the most popular majors in the U.S., according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and remains one of the most versatile.
How to Find Biology Jobs That Match Your Skills
Feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities? That’s where Job Genius comes in. We help you apply to jobs that match your background, passions, and goals — without the burnout of constant applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Careers in Biology
What is the best career in biology?
The “best” career depends on your interests, strengths, and goals. However, highly regarded roles often include physician assistant, biomedical researcher, bioinformatics specialist, and environmental scientist — all of which combine strong job growth with impact. If you enjoy data and tech, fields like genetics, biotech, and computational biology are expanding rapidly.
Is biology a good career path?
Yes — biology is one of the most versatile and in-demand STEM fields. It offers a wide range of career paths across healthcare, research, conservation, education, and business. Many biology-related jobs also report above-average salaries and job satisfaction, especially for those who specialize or pursue further education.
Which job is high salary in biology?
Some of the highest-paying biology careers include:
Physician Assistant (median salary: $126,000)
Pharmacologist
Biotech Sales Executive
Medical Science Liaison
Genetic Counselor
These roles typically require advanced degrees or certifications, but they offer strong ROI and career growth.
How do I start a career in biology?
Start by identifying your area of interest: healthcare, research, environment, education, or industry. Build a strong academic foundation with biology coursework, then pursue internships, certifications, or entry-level lab roles in that focus area.
If you're unsure where to start — or struggling to land interviews — Job Genius can help. We automate and optimize your job applications so you can focus on building your future.
👉 Start your biology career search now
