General
Miscellaneous Biology
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Miscellaneous Biology.
Entry Level Salary
$38,000
Median Salary
$94,735
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
20.7%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,789,400
Entry (Early)
$38,000
Median (Prime)
$94,735
High (Prime)
$101,000
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
-113k
+365k
+415k
$25k / yr
-203k
+275k
+325k
$50k / yr
-293k
+185k
+235k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
30
29
$50k / yr
Never
36
34
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-187%
253%
299%
$50k / yr
-135%
85%
108%
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 Rate53.9%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Physical scientists, all other
7.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,770
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,604|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Biological scientists
5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,604|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%
Management occupations
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$82,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,015|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Postsecondary teachers
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$26,764
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,298|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Life scientists
4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,670|$96,310
openings
27,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.4%
Physicians
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$63,822
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$179,578|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%
Mathematical science occupations
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%
Software developers
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$130,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$130,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Life, physical, and social science technicians
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$46,089|$59,510
openings
53,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.2%
Elementary and middle school teachers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,153
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,770|$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 Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| biotechnology. | Undergrad Certificate | 13 | Data N/A |
| biotechnology. | Associate's Degree | 35 | $60,361 - $60,361 |
| biotechnology. | Bachelor's Degree | 73 | $38,516 - $90,565 |
| biotechnology. | Post-bacc Certificate | 1 | Data N/A |
| biotechnology. | Master's Degree | 65 | $63,591 - $191,085 |
| biotechnology. | Graduate Certificate | 6 | Data N/A |
| 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 |
| molecular medicine. | Doctoral Degree | 6 | Data N/A |
| pharmacology and toxicology. | Bachelor's Degree | 15 | $48,837 - $98,462 |
| pharmacology and toxicology. | Master's Degree | 48 | $60,571 - $125,394 |
| pharmacology and toxicology. | Doctoral Degree | 78 | $180,229 - $180,229 |
| pharmacology and toxicology. | First Professional Degree | 1 | $136,194 - $136,194 |