What Does a Biology Professor Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a biology professor do?

Biological science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in biological sciences at colleges and universities and often conduct research. The median pay is $84,620 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–9 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +7.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$84,620
Annual salary · May 2025
Job growth
+7.3%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
4,700
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
6–9 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
62,000
Employment, 2025

What biology professors do

Biology professors teach how life works. They teach courses from introductory biology and anatomy to genetics, ecology and molecular biology, run teaching labs, train students in research, write grants, run research labs and publish findings.

Universities usually require a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience; community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree. BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

Typical duties

Teach biology courses
Run teaching labs
Lead a research lab
Mentor student researchers
Write grant proposals
Publish research
Serve on committees

Work environment and schedule

Biology faculty work in classrooms, labs, field sites and offices.

Schedule: Teaching, research and service; field research may require travel.

A day in the life

8:00 AMTeach intro biology to 200 students.
9:30 AMMeet lab members.
11:00 AMReview gene expression data.
1:00 PMSupervise a genetics lab section.

See a full day in the life of a biology professor →

Biology Professor salary

Half of biology professors earned more than $84,620 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $52,150 for the lowest 10% to $169,900 for the top 10%.

$52,15010th$84,620Median$169,90090th

Full biology professor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a biology professor

Earn a biology bachelor’s
Complete a Ph.D.
Do a postdoc
Build a research record
Get hired

A Ph.D. in biology is typical for universities, often with postdoctoral research; community colleges may accept a master’s.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a biology professor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Biology expertise
Lab techniques
Research design
Statistics
Grant writing

People skills

Mentoring
Communication
Curiosity
Organization

All biology professor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
Exciting research
Flexible schedule
Mentor future scientists

Cons

Grant pressure
Long training with postdocs
Large intro classes
Competitive tenure track

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D. in biology: Doctoral degree.
Postdoctoral training: Research experience.
Lab safety certifications: Biosafety training.
Research grants: NIH, NSF.

Career path

Postdoc: Research.
Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
Associate Professor: Tenure.
Professor or Chair: Lead departments.

Learn the job before day one

Our Biology Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a course-based research experience and teach a large intro biology class, safety and how to land your first job.

View Biology Professor training Is this career right for me?

Biological Technician

Run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research.

$57,510
4 years

Microbiologist

Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products.

$87,990
4+ years

Medical Scientist

Research diseases and develop treatments to improve human health.

$103,410
5–8 years after a bachelor’s

Chemistry Professor

Teach chemistry lectures and labs and lead chemical research.

$93,250
5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Compare: Biology Professor vs. Biological Technician · Biology Professor vs. Microbiologist · Biology Professor vs. Medical Scientist · Biology Professor vs. Chemistry Professor

Biology Professor FAQ

Do biology professors need a postdoc?

Usually for research universities.

Do community colleges require a Ph.D.?

Often not; a master’s may qualify.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

How much does a biology professor make?

The median annual wage for biology professors was $84,620 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $52,150 and the highest 10% earned more than $169,900.

How long does it take to become a biology professor?

Most people need about 6–9 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in biology is typical for universities, often with postdoctoral research; community colleges may accept a master’s.

Do you need a degree to be a biology professor?

Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1042 (Biological science teachers, postsecondary).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Biological science teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Biology Professor