Entry Level Salary
$30,881
Median Salary
$76,000
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.1%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,040,000
Entry (Early)
$30,881
Median (Prime)
$76,000
High (Prime)
$94,703
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
-179k
+213k
+364k
$25k / yr
-269k
+123k
+274k
$50k / yr
-359k
+33k
+184k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
28
25
$25k / yr
Never
36
30
$50k / yr
Never
51
36
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-248%
113%
252%
$50k / yr
-165%
15%
85%
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).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate56.5%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Postsecondary teachers
7.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$22,900
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$79,941|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Physical scientists, all other
6.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,222
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,873|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Management occupations
3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,616
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Biological scientists
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$7,289
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,873|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%
Secondary school teachers
2.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$43,845
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$45,017|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Management analysts
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,262
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$111,173|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%
Teaching assistants
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$25,734
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$26,000|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Elementary and middle school teachers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$35,526
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,655|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Agricultural and food scientists
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$29,261
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,800|$81,970
openings
2,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%
Paralegals and legal assistants
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$28,421
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$43,724|$62,890
openings
40,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
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 | 39 | $42,743 - $60,715 |
| botany/plant biology. | Master's Degree | 40 | Data N/A |
| botany/plant biology. | Doctoral Degree | 37 | Data N/A |