Biologist: what do they do and how much do they earn? Learn all about the profession!

Biologists are extremely important professionals with a wide range of career options.

This is because the profession is quite broad, so graduates can work in the field of biology itself, as well as in education, laboratories, and much more.

But what exactly does a biologist do? What training is required? Is there a minimum wage for the profession?

If you're thinking about pursuing this career, but these doubts are still in your way, know that we can resolve that today.

That said, to learn everything about the profession of biologist and thus be able to decide if this is the right career for you, just check out the content below! 

What does a biologist do?

When we talk about biologists, many people immediately think of that professional who works taking care of everything related to nature.

Therefore, it is common to believe that a biologist is a true expert on nature, whether plant, animal, or from any other kingdom.

But is that really the case? After all, what did a biologist do?

The perspective we just outlined makes some sense, considering that a biologist is a professional who completes a degree in Biological Sciences.

In this course, students learn and develop their skills regarding all forms of life on the planet.

Thus, a biologist has knowledge about the 5 kingdoms of living things: animal, plant, fungi, protist, and monera.

But, going far beyond the knowledge of living beings, biologists are also specialists in other types of beings that interfere with the life and existence of living beings.

Therefore, it is very common for biologists to specialize in the area of viruses and contagious diseases, for example.

Thus, a biologist can work in the direct treatment of living beings, caring for animals or plants, for example.

But they can also work in the laboratory sector, creating cosmetics for skin care.

So, to explain it in a very general and summarized way, wherever there is life and nature, there is room for the work of a biologist.

Therefore, choosing this career path is an excellent idea for those seeking a comprehensive course that allows them to work in diverse areas and sectors!

What training is needed to become a biologist?

In the previous topic we saw that the field of work for a biologist is very broad.

Therefore, we can consider the career of a biologist as one of the most versatile that currently exist.

And we also saw that to graduate, one needs to complete a degree in Biological Sciences.

It's worth mentioning that this is a higher education course, which lasts on average 4 to 5 years.

Upon graduation, the student receives a bachelor's degree in biology and can then begin their career.

At this early stage of their career, the possibilities are vast, so that based on their first experiences, professionals can decide in which area of biology they wish to work.

Therefore, it is already possible to pursue specializations, which include everything from training courses to postgraduate studies, master's degrees, doctorates, and postdoctoral programs.

Therefore, the more specialized a professional biologist becomes, the further they can go.

And, as we have already seen, the areas of activity are quite broad.

In this way, the professional can become a university professor, laboratory head, or even a leader of public health studies.

The sky's the limit when it comes to a career as a biologist, and it all begins with the completion of a degree in Biological Sciences.

After the course, the possibilities for specialization are varied, and everything depends on your desires and chosen career path! 

Average salary for the profession 

When we talk about choosing a profession, many factors come into play.

Identification, job market, and growth opportunities are all important points.

However, the average salary for the profession is certainly one of the most important factors to consider when choosing it.

This is because professions that offer good salaries in the market tend to provide better conditions for their professionals.

But, when it comes to biologists, what is the average salary? 

The average salary for a biologist in Brazil is approximately R$ 3,100.00.

Typically, a newly graduated professional starts their career earning around R$ 2,100.00.

For more experienced professionals with longer careers, the average salary is around R$ 4,050.00.

However, it's important to note that this information varies greatly depending on the professional's field of expertise.

This is because a biologist working in higher education will certainly have a different salary than one working in the field of public health.

Therefore, the more skilled and relevant a professional's field of work, the better their salary will be.

The average is as we specified, but the truth is that the limit will be determined by your professional skills! 

So, whatever career you choose, know that your studies can help you earn above-average income! 

In what fields can a biologist work?

Throughout this material, we highlight the fact that biologists have the advantage of a wide range of career opportunities.

That's because biology is present in practically everything, so there's room for application in all fields.

Do you doubt it? Then let's look at some examples.

Now imagine a hospital experiencing an epidemic of gastrointestinal problems caused by the consumption of contaminated water.

Who is the qualified professional to analyze this water and the local environment, and understand how the contamination occurred? The biologist! 

Or, imagine a beach where several sea turtles are laying their eggs.

Who is the qualified professional to monitor the situation and ensure that these eggs are disposed of properly?

And finally, in a laboratory that is developing a new sponge for exfoliating the skin.

Can a biologist help in making good decisions based on the nature of human skin? Absolutely yes! 

So the truth is, wherever you are, if there is life and nature, there is room for the biologist to work.

However, there are some areas that are most common for this professional to work in, which are:

• Marine Biology 
• Laboratory  
• Environment 
• Public health 
• Search 
• Education

These are the main areas, which encompass the principal activities of the profession.

So, if you haven't yet decided which sector to work in, it's worth checking out the list to see where you best fit in.

Therefore, you will be able to pursue a career as a biologist with greater chances of success and growth!

Roberta

I am a member of the O Administrador team and I produce content about career, personal finance, financial education, productivity, and professional development. My goal is to share clear and practical information to help readers with their day-to-day decisions.

July 25, 2023