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Biotechnology

Biotechnology graduates earn $67,097 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,671 and $88,980. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a focused area of study within Biology. Graduates typically earn around $67,097 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 246 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 3,836 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $47,016
Median Earnings · 4yr: $67,097
Colleges Offering: 246
Graduates / Year: 3,836
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,534

How Much Do Biotechnology Graduates Earn?

Biotechnology graduates earn $67,097 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,671 and $88,980. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $47,016 climbs to $67,097 by year four.

$47,016

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$67,097

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$76,622

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Biotechnology graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$46,671 25th pct.

$67,097 Median

$88,980 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $67,097 and an estimated $82,136 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.2 years.

Based on outcomes from 112 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 3,836 students who complete Biotechnology programs each year, the majority (57%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

34% 57%

Master's 57%

Bachelor's 34%

Associate's 5%

What Can You Do With a Biotechnology Degree?

Biotechnology connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +7.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Biological Science Teachers

$84,620

$64K $127K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 5,400 openings/yr 50K employed nationally

Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

Top Colleges for Biotechnology

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Biotechnology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit	470	6.4%	$18,809	$87,555
2	Northeastern University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	115	5.2%	$30,915	$92,538
3	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	75	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
4	University of Houston Houston, TX · Public	69	73.9%	$14,276	$62,377
5	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	64	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
6	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	62	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
7	University of Kentucky Lexington, KY · Public	59	92.9%	$18,851	$59,025
8	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	55	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479
9	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	55	41.7%	$17,303	$68,758
10	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	48	5.4%	$28,699	$111,371
11	University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public	45	40.1%	$10,411	$58,308
12	Northwestern University Evanston, IL · Nonprofit	45	7.7%	$29,167	$89,363
13	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	42	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
14	Brigham Young University Provo, UT · Nonprofit	42	67.8%	$15,564	$75,790
15	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	42	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
16	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA · Public	37	75.2%	$11,531	$71,902
17	Syracuse University Syracuse, NY · Nonprofit	36	45.9%	$38,793	$79,164
18	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN · Public	35	78.2%	$16,264	$63,742
19	California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA · Public	35	95.1%	$10,229	$62,908
20	James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA · Public	32	71.5%	$23,322	$69,954

View all colleges

Ranked by Biotechnology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Biotechnology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Biotechnology degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Biotechnology Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Biotechnology a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $67,097 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $47,016 at graduation to $67,097 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +7.3% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 13,900 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Biotechnology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Biotechnology graduates earn?

Biotechnology graduates earn a national median of $67,097 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,671 and $88,980. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Biotechnology degree?

One year after graduation, Biotechnology degree holders earn a median of $47,016. That climbs to $67,097 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Biotechnology degree?

Biotechnology degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Biotechnology program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Biotechnology students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer Biotechnology?

246 colleges and universities in the United States offer Biotechnology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Biotechnology degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $67,097 and an average net price of roughly $20,534/yr, a Biotechnology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Biotechnology and Biology?

Biotechnology is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Biotechnology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Biotechnology graduates?

Employers hiring Biotechnology graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Biotechnology graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Biotechnology graduates?

The job outlook for Biotechnology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.5% job growth over the next 10 years. Biological Science Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +7.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.