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Pay: The median annual pay of microbiologists was $38,672 in 2007, according to Salary.com, with most making from about $36,181 to about $42,909.
Demand: Employment of biological scientists is projected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations over the 2004-14 period, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth. Doctoral-degree holders face competition for basic research positions. Opportunities for those with a bachelor's or master's degree in biological science are expected to be better. The number of science-related jobs in sales, marketing and research management for which non-doctorial degree holders usually qualify is expected to exceed the number of independent research positions.
Need to know: In addition to required courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduate biological science majors usually study allied disciplines such as mathematics, physics, engineering and computer science. Computer courses are essential because employers prefer job applicants who are able to apply computer skills to modeling and simulation tasks and to operate computerized laboratory equipment, particularly in emerging fields such as bioinformatics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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