Top 10 Biotech Careers Ranked

Top 10 Biotech Careers Ranked

1. Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical engineers analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
The median annual wage for biomedical engineers was $86,960 in May 2012. Employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow 27 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.

2. Medical and Clinical Technicians or Technologists

Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
The median annual wage for medical laboratory technologists was $57,580 in May 2012.
The median annual wage for medical laboratory technicians was $37,240 in May 2012. Employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022.

3. Biophysicists and Biochemists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, and heredity.
The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $81,480 in May 2012. Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022.

4. Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings. Medical scientists typically need a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science, from an accredited postsecondary institution. Some also have a medical degree.
The median annual wage for medical scientists except epidemiologists was $76,980 in May 2012. Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022.

5. Epidemiologists

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. Some do fieldwork to conduct interviews and collect samples for analyses. Fieldwork may bring epidemiologists into contact with infectious disease, but they very rarely get sick or suffer contagion. Epidemiologists need at least a master’s degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. Most epidemiologists have a master’s in public health (MPH) or a related field, and some have a doctoral training in epidemiology.
The median annual wage for epidemiologists was $65,270 in May 2012. Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

6. Bio Technicians

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Biological technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field. It is important for prospective biological technicians to gain laboratory experience while in school.
The median annual wage for biological technicians was $39,750 in May 2012. Employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2012 to 2022.

7. Microbiologists

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They usually work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct scientific experiments and analyze the results.
The median annual wage for microbiologists was $66,260 in May 2012. Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations.

8. Process Development and R&D Scientists

Research and development scientists are usually supervise the manufacturing process in a company or organization’s lab. Overseeing lab technicians, they usually are team leaders who use well-honed communication and organizational skills to shepherd projects from fruition to completion. Pay grades can vary depending on areas of expertise but start at $74,292 and up.

9. Regulatory QA/QC Biomanufacturing Specialists

Regulatory QA/QC biomanufacturing specialist have a lot of responsibilities and their salaries reflect that—median income is $84,652. Companies or organizations entrust them with guaranteeing that all criteria and requirements are met as the manufacturing process is conducted. They need to have a thorough knowledge of manufacturing, data collection, import/export and product registration and safety rules. Now more than ever these specialists need to have a global focus.

10. Bioproduction Operators

Bioproduction operators are the last stop for a product before it hits the public’s stores and homes. They oversee the manufacturing, packaging and shipping of products and they ensure that anything leaving a company with its brand on it meets all quality standards is in pristine condition. Median income is $81,480.