Entry Level Salary
$36,028
Median Salary
$104,271
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
15.6%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,170,840
Entry (Early)
$36,028
Median (Prime)
$104,271
High (Prime)
$110,144
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
-132k
+442k
+489k
$25k / yr
-222k
+352k
+399k
$50k / yr
-312k
+262k
+309k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
28
28
$50k / yr
Never
33
32
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-204%
323%
367%
$50k / yr
-143%
120%
142%
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 Rate57.4%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Physicians
11.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,469
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$234,408|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%
Physical scientists, all other
6.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$87,497|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Management occupations
4.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$140,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,367
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,670|$62,930
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.7%
Postsecondary teachers
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$20,588
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,038|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Life scientists
3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$57,928
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$78,946|$96,310
openings
27,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.4%
Biological scientists
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,727
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,292|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%
Pharmacists
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$12,862
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$131,837|$140,910
openings
12,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.2%
Registered nurses
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$82,350|$97,550
openings
180,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
Dentists
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$322
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$182,182|$176,110
openings
4,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| microbiological sciences and immunology. | Bachelor's Degree | 108 | $33,355 - $103,546 |
| microbiological sciences and immunology. | Master's Degree | 78 | $63,447 - $114,727 |
| microbiological sciences and immunology. | Doctoral Degree | 101 | Data N/A |
| microbiological sciences and immunology. | First Professional Degree | 1 | $68,039 - $68,039 |