biologist examining something with a magnifying glass

Biologists and related scientists

(NOC 21110)
Annual Earnings
$76,124
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
University Degree
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
1,790

Career Overview

Biologists and related scientists carry out research to gain knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture.

Biologists and related scientists work in both laboratory and field settings for:

  • Governments
  • Environmental consulting companies
  • Resource and utilities companies
  • Chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies
  • Health and educational institutions

Duties

Biologists:

  • Plan and carry out studies of the environment
  • Plan and carry out studies of the population, distribution, structure, functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals
  • Carry out environmental impact studies and prepare reports
  • Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens
  • Carry out experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding
  • Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources
  • Supervise biological technicians and other scientists

Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists:

  • Carry out research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and algae
  • Research the structure and workings of human, animal and plant tissues and cells
  • Carry out studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal microorganisms and poisons
  • Run clinical or laboratory studies to test, check and screen drugs
  • Carry out molecular or biochemical studies and experiments into genetics, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology
  • Carry out research in biotechnologyto find, develop, refine and evaluate new products
  • Participate in the commercialization of new products
  • Supervise biological technicians and other scientists
  • Conduct biostatistical data analysis using computer modelling techniques

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$76,124

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$52.20/hr
Median$36.50/hr
Low$25.96/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

5,960

% Employed Full Time

72%
Source: 2021 Census

Work in this occupation is typically performed in a structured environment, such as an office, hospital or school, or an outdoor work environment where the worker is exposed to various weather conditions.

Also, the worker may be exposed to infectious bacteria and viruses that may cause illness. This could arise while investigating outbreaks of food and environment related diseases and poisonings, or while conducting microbiological tests and laboratory analyses. Safety precautions and procedures in place minimize risks.

Career Pathways

Career path information is currently not available.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Investigative
Investigative

Job Titles

Anatomist
Bacteriologist
Bioinformatician
Biologist
Botanist
Cell biologist
Ecologist
Embryologist
Geneticist
Histologist
Immunologist
Marine biologist
Microbiologist
Molecular biologist
Mycologist
Parasitologist
Pharmacologist
Physiologist
Protozoologist
Toxicologist
Virologist
Zoologist

Education, Training and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists
  • 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 who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the College of Applied Biologists for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Pharmacy/Pharmacology Related
  • Biochemistry/Microbiology
  • Biology (Science)
EducationPlannerBC Logo
Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

75%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

75%
Speaking

Talking to others to share information effectively.

73%
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

73%
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

73%
Complex Problem Solving

Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.

67%
Active Learning

Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.

66%
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

66%
Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

60%
Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

58%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

5,960
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 130 2.2%
Kootenay 245 4.1%
Mainland/Southwest 3,625 60.8%
North Coast and Nechako 175 2.9%
Northeast 85 1.4%
Thompson-Okanagan 555 9.3%
Vancouver Island/Coast 1,145 19.2%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

1,790
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo 20 0.1%
Kootenay 80 1.3%
Mainland/Southwest 1,140 1.2%
North Coast and Nechako 40 0.7%
Northeast 20 1.0%
Thompson-Okanagan 140 0.7%
Vancouver Island/Coast 340 1.3%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Professional, Scientific And Technical Services860
Public Administration340
Health Care And Social Assistance160
Manufacturing150
Educational Services70
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Resources