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A biology degree can lead to work in laboratories, environmental science, healthcare, education, management, and business—but those paths do not all have the same entry requirements. Some technician and environmental-science roles may be accessible with a bachelor’s degree, while many clinical professions and independent research jobs require further education, licensing, or both.
Where biology degree holders work
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2023 show that people with biology degrees work across a range of occupations. Healthcare is the largest category, but it is not the only destination.
| Occupational group | Share of biology degree holders in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations | 34% |
| Management occupations | 12% |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | 11% |
| Educational instruction and library occupations | 10% |
| Business and financial operations occupations | 6% |
| Other fields | 28% |
These figures describe the occupations of biology degree holders, not the share of new graduates hired into each field or the qualifications needed to enter a particular job. Percentages may not total exactly 100 because of rounding. The BLS biology field-of-degree profile also lists physicians, registered nurses, dentists, pharmacists, teachers, and managers among common occupations. Their presence in the data does not mean a biology bachelor’s alone qualifies someone to practice; professional education and licensing rules depend on the job and jurisdiction.
Jobs that may be accessible with a bachelor’s degree
Biological technician
Biological technicians assist biological and medical scientists. Typical duties include preparing laboratory equipment, collecting samples or data, and observing experiments. The BLS says, “To enter the occupation, biological technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.” Laboratory experience gained during school can be useful, and employers may seek particular coursework or techniques, so a degree does not guarantee a research-support position.
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $57,510 for biological technicians in May 2025 and projects 7% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. These are occupation-wide U.S. figures—not starting salaries or outcomes specifically for recent graduates. See the BLS Biological Technicians profile for requirements and state and area data.
Environmental scientist or specialist
Environmental scientists and specialists investigate environmental conditions and issues affecting human health. Biology can be a relevant undergraduate major, while coursework in chemistry, geology, and physics may help. Some roles also benefit from specialized study in areas such as hydrology, waste management, or environmental policy. Internships or volunteer work can provide practical experience.
The work may combine office, laboratory, and field duties. Fieldwork can mean being outdoors in varied weather and doing physically demanding tasks. The BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $82,220 and projects 6% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. These figures cover workers in the occupation, not just new graduates; local pay and openings vary. Consult the BLS Environmental Scientists and Specialists profile for local data.
Paths that commonly require more education or licensing
Clinical and healthcare professions
Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations accounted for 34% of biology degree holders in 2023, but that broad category includes jobs with different education and licensing routes. Physicians, dentists, and pharmacists typically need professional education and the required license; registered nurses must meet the applicable nursing education and licensing requirements. A biology degree can be relevant preparation, but it is not a substitute for those credentials. Check the official requirements for the specific profession and the state or jurisdiction where you intend to work.
Biochemistry, biophysics, and medical science
Some biology-related science roles have different entry thresholds. The BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry education for microbiologists, but doctoral or professional education for medical scientists and biochemists and biophysicists. In biochemistry and biophysics, a Ph.D. is needed for independent research and development positions, although some entry-level work is available to bachelor’s and master’s degree holders. A technician job can be one way to gain laboratory experience; advancement to scientist roles may follow several years of experience or graduate study.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Education, management, and business options
Biology graduates also work outside laboratory and clinical roles. In the BLS’s 2023 distribution, management accounted for 12% of biology degree holders, educational instruction and library occupations for 10%, and business and financial operations for 6%. The common-occupation list includes managers, postsecondary health specialties teachers, and elementary school teachers.
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These categories show that biology knowledge can be used in varied settings, but they do not establish that every role is open to someone with only a biology bachelor’s. Teaching credentials, relevant experience, and role-specific qualifications vary. Look at the requirements in actual postings for the level and location you want.
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How to choose a next step
- Pick the work, not just the job title. Decide whether you want bench research, data collection, environmental analysis, field sampling, patient-facing care, teaching, or business operations.
- Check the minimum credentials. Separate a bachelor’s-level entry route from jobs requiring graduate or professional education, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific license. Confirm requirements with the relevant licensing authority for regulated work.
- Compare the setting and day-to-day demands. Consider laboratory, field, office, school, or healthcare work, along with schedule, travel, and physical demands stated by employers.
- Review local openings and pay. Search current postings in your state or metro area and compare their requirements with your experience. National wage medians and growth projections are useful context, not a forecast of your starting pay or hiring chances.
- Choose an experience or education gap to close. For technician and environmental roles, relevant laboratory coursework, internships, volunteering, or specialized classes may strengthen preparation. For clinical or independent research work, map the required professional or graduate pathway before committing to it.
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