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Genetics

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Genetics.

Entry Level Salary
$36,436
Median Salary
$117,903
Unemployment Rate
1.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
11.3%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,716,120
Entry (Early)
$36,436
Median (Prime)
$117,903
High (Prime)
$132,000

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 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
-128k
+551k
+663k
$25k / yr
-218k
+461k
+573k
$50k / yr
-308k
+371k
+483k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
24
24
$25k / yr
Never
27
26
$50k / yr
Never
30
29

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-200%
424%
527%
$50k / yr
-142%
171%
222%
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 Rate65%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Physicians

10.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$63,157
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$267,961|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%

Physical scientists, all other

9.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,631
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$99,850|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Life scientists

6.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$63,157
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,157|$96,310
openings
27,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.4%

Postsecondary teachers

6.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,645|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Management occupations

5.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$76,101
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$105,430|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Biological scientists

3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$27,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$112,000|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Other healthcare practitioners and technical occupations

3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$89,556
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$92,685|$65,190
openings
9,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.4%

Life, physical, and social science technicians

2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,940
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$41,175|$59,510
openings
53,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.2%

Mathematical science occupations

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,763
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$157,891|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%

Elementary and middle school teachers

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$10,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,349|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

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 TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
genetics.Bachelor's Degree20$54,007 - $87,608
genetics.Master's Degree40$112,403 - $112,403
genetics.Doctoral Degree50$101,128 - $116,130