Biologists

Employment in the life, physical, and social sciences is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL reports the following employment outlooks by specialty:

• biochemists and biophysicists: faster than the average (+7 percent)
• environmental scientists and specialists: faster than the average (+6 percent)
• zoologists and wildlife biologists: about as fast as the average (+3 percent)
• microbiologists: faster than the average (+5 percent)

Companies developing new drugs, modified crops, environmentally friendly products, and the like will need the expertise of biological scientists. The growth of the biotechnology industry will create many new opportunities for biologists. The DOL also predicts that even companies not solely involved in biotechnology will be increasingly using biotechnology developments and techniques in their businesses. This should create more job opportunities for biological scientists in a variety of industries. Private industry will need biologists to work in sales, marketing, and research management.

There will also be strong demand for biologists to study, clean up, and protect the environment. They will be in demand by environmental regulatory agencies and lawmakers who need expertise regarding the environment. There will be fewer opportunities in botany and zoology because these fields are so small and there is less job turnover. Employment in marine biology is predicted to be especially competitive.

Biologists with advanced degrees will be best qualified for the most lucrative and challenging jobs, although this varies by specialty, with genetic, cellular, and biochemical research showing the most promise. Competition will be stiff for basic research positions. Scientists with bachelor's degrees may find openings as science or engineering technicians, health technologists and technicians, and high school biology teachers. Many colleges and universities are cutting back on their faculties, but high schools and two-year colleges may have teaching positions available.