Entry Level Salary
$34,217
Median Salary
$71,735
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
26.5%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,869,400
Entry (Early)
$34,217
Median (Prime)
$71,735
High (Prime)
$98,919
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-148k
+176k
+396k
$25k / yr
-238k
+86k
+306k
$50k / yr
-328k
-4k
+217k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
29
25
$25k / yr
Never
39
29
$50k / yr
Never
Never
34
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-219%
79%
282%
$50k / yr
-151%
-2%
100%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate56.4%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Postsecondary teachers
7.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,281
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,082|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Physical scientists, all other
6.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,217
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,613|$117,960
openings
2,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Management occupations
3.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,032
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,190|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Biological scientists
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$39,568
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,793|$93,340
openings
10,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.9%
Secondary school teachers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$42,594
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$42,594|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Management analysts
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$65,842
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$101,295|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%
Paralegals and legal assistants
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$27,609
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$42,476|$61,010
openings
39,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.2%
Life, physical, and social science technicians
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,296
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$41,296|$55,810
openings
52,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.4%
Agricultural and food scientists
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$26,031
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,888|$78,770
openings
3,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Life scientists
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$124,368
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$191,335|$90,500
openings
28,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| botany/plant biology. | Bachelor's Degree | 42 | $42,743 - $60,715 |
| botany/plant biology. | Master's Degree | 42 | Data N/A |
| botany/plant biology. | Doctoral Degree | 38 | Data N/A |