How to become a biologist or related scientist
Official title: Biologists and related scientists
Also called: Biologist, Cell biologist, Crop scientist, Food scientist, Dairy scientist, Plant scientist, Marine biologist, Aquatic biologist, Poultry scientist, Systems biologist, Research biologist, Wildlife biologist
Biologists and related scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnical companies, hospitals and health, research and educational institutions.
Main tasks
- Biologists
- Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and of the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals
- Conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports
- Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens
- Conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding
- Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
- Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists. A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology. Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions. Biologists are regulated in Alberta and British Columbia.
Ways in
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 11 universities in Canada
- University: Pharmacy degrees, Offered by 13 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,000 a year The middle half earn $62,556 to $100,484.
- About 30,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 33,000 are projected by 2033. (+6.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a biologist or related scientist?
A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists. A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology. Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions. Biologists are regulated in Alberta and British Columbia.
How much does a biologist or related scientist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $78,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $62,556 to $100,484.
Is a biologist or related scientist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2033, from about 30,900 to about 33,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a biologist or related scientist?
Usually. 95% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03