According to the Occupational Handbook, Biological Scientists held about 77,000 jobs in 2004. This career is expected to grow as an average rate. Opportunities for those with a bachelor or master’s degree in biological science are expected to be better. According to the Occupational Handbook, “The median annual earnings for biochemists and biophysicists were $68,950 whereas the lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,710 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,660. The Median annual earning s of microbiologists was $54,840 in May 2004.  In addition to working in a research or laboratory facility, you can also work in sales or marketing or at an administrative or consulting position.

Benefits and Required Skills

• Supreme intellectual capability
• Ability to work independently or as a cooperative team member
• Specific scientific and mathematical, engineering, physics and computer experience
• Strong analytical, organizational, and research skills

Challenges You Might Experience

The competition for this position can be fierce and the growth of the career doesn’t seem to be growing at huge rates. I addition, you will be required to work long hours and may have to handle pathogenic and harmful substances.

Educational Background

The type of educational background you desire will depend on the type of medical scientist that you become. However, the higher paid research scientists have a PH.D. Degree and/or a M.D. (however you will not be required to take the State licensing exam or complete a residency program) if you choose this route.

The information found on this website is not designed to replace the patient/physician relationship.