A degree in biology prepares you for a wide range of careers after graduation, from entry-level positions as technicians, sales staff, and consultants to graduate studies in a wide variety of fields, including Public Health, Plant Pathology, Genetics, Virology, Computational Biology, Chemistry, Medicine (Physicians Assistant, Physical Therapist, Physician, Dentist, Optometrist, etc.), Veterinary Science, and even Law.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
2017 Median Pay: $51,770 per year
Job Outlook: +13% over the next 10 years
Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
Genetic Counselor
2017 Median Pay: $77,480 per year
Job Outlook: +29% over the next 10 years
Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.
Dentist
2017 Median Pay: $158,120 per year
Job Outlook: +19% over the next 10 years
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
Physician or Surgeon
2017 Median Pay: >$208,000 per year
Job Outlook: +13% over the next 10 years
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventative healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
Optometrist
2017 Median Pay: $110,300 per year
Job Outlook: +18% over the next 10 years
Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, as needed.
Technical Writer
2017 Median Pay: $70,930
Job Outlook: +11% over the next 10 years
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an organization's communications channels.
Veterinarian
2017 Median Pay: $90,420 per year
Job Outlook: +19% over the next 10 years
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.
Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
2017 Median Pay: $62,290 per year
Job Outlook: +8% over the next 10 years
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behavior, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
Source: bls.gov.
