Employers of Biology majors in AL

Biological Technicians

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Biological technicians typically work in laboratories. Most biological technicians work full time. Biological technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field. It is important for prospective biological technicians to gain laboratory experience while in school. The median annual wage for biological technicians was $43,800 in May 2017. Employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in biotechnology and medical research is expected to increase demand for these workers.

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. The median annual wage for postsecondary biological science teachers was $78,240 in May 2017.

Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings. Medical scientists work in offices and laboratories. Most work full time. Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science. Some medical scientists get a medical degree instead of, or in addition to, a Ph.D. The median annual wage for medical scientists was $82,090 in May 2017. Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Medical scientists will continue to be needed because they contribute to the development of treatments and medicines that improve human health.

Microbiologists

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms. The median annual wage for microbiologists was $69,960 in May 2017. Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to contribute to basic research, solve problems encountered in industrial production processes, and monitor environmental conditions to ensure public health and safety.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. Specialists inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment. Technicians work with specialists in conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians work in a variety of settings, such as offices or factories. Their jobs often involve considerable fieldwork and travel. Most work full time. Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or in a related scientific or technical field. Occupational health and safety technicians typically enter the occupation through one of two paths: on-the-job training or postsecondary education, such as an associate’s degree or certificate. The median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $71,780 in May 2017. The median annual wage for occupational health and safety technicians was $49,960 in May 2017. Overall employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Specialists and technicians will be needed in a wide variety of industries to ensure that employers adhere to both existing and new regulations.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats. The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $62,290 in May 2017. Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study human and wildlife interactions as the human population grows and development impacts wildlife and their natural habitats. However, because most funding comes from governmental agencies, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists will be limited by budgetary constraints.