A plant biologist studies plants at the molecular and cellular level to understand their biology, genetics, and evolution. They work primarily in laboratory settings conducting research for applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and environmental science. Most plant biologists need at least a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry, with advanced research roles requiring master's or doctoral degrees.
Welcome to EnvironmentalScience.org, your comprehensive resource for exploring careers in plant biology. Plant biology is one of the most important sciences today, with wide-ranging applications across multiple fields including ecology, climate science, soil science, agriculture, industry, and pharmaceuticals. Each plant has individual genetic attributes that might separate it from others in its species and from other species, and plant biologists work to understand these differences and apply them to real-world challenges.
What Does a Plant Biologist Do?
Core Research Responsibilities
Plant biology is the lab science area of plant study, though plant biologists may spend some time in the field collecting samples and taking records of plants in their natural habitats. This work requires not only an understanding of a plant's biology but also its chemistry, including its genetic coding. The aim of a plant biologist is to determine how a plant functions and how and why it evolved to be the way it is.
Plant biologists may need to understand soils and geology to a certain extent, particularly when studying how environmental factors influence plant development and adaptation. Their research often involves statistical and data analysis, examining the genetics and evolution of plants through quantitative methods.
How Plant Biologists Differ from Botanists
Plant biologists differ from botanists in their approach and focus. While both study plants, plant biologists work primarily in labs, conducting statistical and data analyses, focusing on genetics and evolution with an emphasis on quantitative data. Botanists tend to work more in the field, examining qualitative data on plants-comparing species and observing their habits and environments. Plant biologists often collaborate with botanists, soil and plant scientists, and biochemists on interdisciplinary projects.
Where Do Plant Biologists Work?
Top Industries and Employers
This is a research role in which you'll spend most of your time in a laboratory setting. According to 2020 data collected on behalf of the BLS, the major employer of plant biologists was research and development in the physical sciences at 47%. This covers a broad spectrum, including industrial applications, materials development for clothing, plastics, biofuels, construction, engineering, and many other agricultural and industrial applications.
The second-largest employer was post-secondary education, including colleges (public and private), universities, and professional schools. These institutions employed 16% of plant biologists in research and teaching positions-sometimes both-as research assistants, lab assistants, and faculty members.
The third highest employer was pharmaceuticals at 14%. The majority of drugs manufactured globally are derived from genetic and other research into plant traits. As new diseases emerge, more drugs will be required, and plants are expected to continue to play a significant role in this research through the work of plant biologists and biotechnologists.
Chemical manufacturing accounted for 2% of plant biologists' employment in industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications. Chemical manufacturing is always on the search for new materials that are less harmful to humans and better for the environment, especially for sustainability initiatives.
A further 2% worked in scientific and technical consulting services, on a contract basis, providing a range of services to organizations that may not have the resources to hire in-house employees.
Work Environment and Conditions
Plant biologists typically work in climate-controlled laboratory environments with standard business hours, though project deadlines may occasionally require extended hours. Fieldwork, when required, may involve working in outdoor conditions under various weather and terrain conditions. The work can be detail-oriented and requires patience, as experiments may take weeks or months to yield results.
Plant Biologist Salary and Compensation
National Salary Data
Plant biologists fall under the broader BLS category of agricultural and food scientists. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $74,940.
Salary varies significantly by percentile, as shown in the table below:
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $45,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,390 |
| Median (50th) | $74,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,870 |
| 90th Percentile | $125,280 |
Pay by Industry and Experience Level
The top-paying industry for plant biologists is research and development in the physical sciences, with salaries significantly above the national median. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing also offers competitive compensation due to the critical role plant biology plays in drug discovery and development.
Entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree typically start near the 25th percentile, while experienced plant biologists with advanced degrees and several years of research experience can earn salaries in the 75th to 90th percentile range. Those who lead research teams, manage labs, or hold senior positions at universities and research institutions command the highest salaries in this field.
Plant Biology Jobs and Job Responsibilities
Entry-Level Duties
An aspiring plant biologist must have a strong background in the hard sciences, including biology and chemistry, and experience running laboratory tests. A plant biologist at the beginning of their career may be tasked with the following job duties:
- Research Support: Conduct research or assist in research projects, including the collection of information and samples, such as soil or plant matter
- Experiment Monitoring: Monitor and observe experiments, recording test data for evaluation by research personnel
- Documentation: Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities and input data into databases
- Specimen Preparation: Isolate, identify, and prepare specimens for examination
- Data Analysis: Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
Advanced Career Responsibilities
A plant biologist with several years of work experience may take on a teaching or project management role. They may have the following additional job duties:
- Project Leadership: Plan, prepare, and supervise the execution of plant research projects
- Technical Communication: Prepare technical and research reports and communicate results to stakeholders such as supervisors, government bodies, or the general public
- Team Supervision: Supervise the work of biological technicians and other scientists
- Education: Develop curriculum and teach courses, seminars, or workshops on findings of research or other topics in plant biology
Career Outlook and Job Growth
The demand for agricultural and food scientists, including plant biologists, is expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This translates to approximately 3,200 new positions annually.
Growth is driven primarily by several factors. The pharmaceutical industry continues to seek plant-based compounds for new drug development, particularly as the global population ages and requires more medications. Agricultural research is expanding to develop drought-resistant crops and improve food security in response to climate change. The biofuels industry also relies heavily on plant biology research to develop sustainable energy alternatives.
Some areas may see more growth than others. Industry sectors, particularly pharmaceuticals and agricultural biotechnology, are likely to make up the bulk of job openings. University positions may see more limited growth, as their budgets are often tied to federal funding, which can fluctuate with policy priorities.
Education and Training Requirements
High School Preparation
As plant biology is a research discipline, high school students who wish to pursue this career should ensure they achieve good grades in the hard sciences, particularly biology and chemistry. Math will be essential to any science degree, so students should focus on this as well. Don't undervalue the importance of physics, as it provides foundational knowledge for understanding biological processes at the molecular level.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
There are several degree options for prospective plant biologists. Biology, chemistry, and physics are the most common undergraduate majors. Biochemistry is another potentially useful degree choice, as is biotechnology and anything related to agriculture. These hard sciences are core to plant biology, no matter which field you end up working in.
A bachelor's degree is usually sufficient for most entry-level roles, such as laboratory technician or research assistant positions. During your undergraduate studies, seek out opportunities for laboratory experience through internships, research assistant positions, or independent study projects with faculty members.
Master's and Doctoral Programs
Master's degrees are necessary for more advanced roles, including project supervision, independent research positions, and some teaching opportunities. You'll find more specialized program options at the master's level. Many universities offer advanced degrees specifically in plant biology, botany, biological sciences, and plant ecology-most of these will be relevant depending on your specific career interests.
Doctorates are suitable for those who wish to pursue careers in academia, such as university research and teaching positions. They'll also be required in industry for those who desire to run and manage their own research projects or lead research teams. A PhD typically takes 4-6 years beyond the bachelor's degree and involves conducting original research that contributes new knowledge to the field.
Essential Skills and Coursework
Successful plant biologists typically develop strong skills in:
- Laboratory Techniques: Proficiency with microscopy, chromatography, genetic sequencing, and cell culture methods
- Data Analysis: Statistical software, database management, and experimental design
- Scientific Writing: Ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and write grant proposals
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing experimental results, troubleshooting failed experiments, and designing new research approaches
- Collaboration: Working effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, agronomists, and environmental scientists
Plant Biology - Related Degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a plant biologist and a botanist?
Plant biologists focus on laboratory research examining plants at the molecular and cellular level, emphasizing quantitative data, genetics, and biochemistry. Botanists work more in field settings, studying whole plants in their natural environments and focusing on taxonomy, ecology, and qualitative observations. While their work overlaps, plant biologists typically spend more time with microscopes and genetic sequencing equipment, while botanists spend more time outdoors identifying and cataloging plant species.
Do I need a PhD to become a plant biologist?
Not necessarily. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry-level laboratory technician and research assistant positions. A master's degree opens doors to project management roles and independent research positions. You'll only need a PhD if you want to lead your own research program, teach at the university level, or become a senior scientist in industry. Many successful plant biologists have fulfilling careers with just a bachelor's or master's degree.
Can plant biologists work remotely?
Plant biology is primarily a laboratory-based field, so most work must be done on-site where the equipment and specimens are located. However, some aspects of the work-such as data analysis, literature reviews, writing research papers, and grant writing-can be done remotely. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many plant biologists adapted by doing computational work from home while scheduling limited lab time for essential experiments.
What's the job outlook for plant biologists over the next decade?
The job outlook is positive, with the field expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Pharmaceutical companies continue to need plant biologists for drug discovery, agricultural firms are investing heavily in crop improvement research, and the biofuels industry is expanding. Climate change is also creating new research opportunities in developing drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties. Most opportunities will be in private industry rather than government or academic positions.
Which industries hire the most plant biologists?
Research and development firms hire nearly half of all plant biologists, working on everything from new materials to biofuels. Universities and colleges are the second-largest employers, hiring for both research and teaching positions. Pharmaceutical companies rank third, employing plant biologists to discover and develop new drugs from plant compounds. Chemical manufacturing and agricultural biotechnology companies also employ significant numbers of plant biologists for product development and improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Lab-Focused Career: Plant biologists spend most of their time in laboratory settings conducting molecular and genetic research, unlike field-based botanists who study plants in natural environments.
- Competitive Compensation: Median earnings of $74,940 for agricultural and food scientists, with research and development positions offering the highest pay, and experienced professionals with advanced degrees earning well into the six figures.
- Growing Field: Expected 6% employment growth through 2032, driven by pharmaceutical research, agricultural innovation, and biofuel development, with approximately 3,200 new positions annually.
- Advanced Degrees Increase Opportunities: While a bachelor's degree qualifies you for entry-level positions, master's and PhD holders command significantly higher salaries and can lead independent research projects.
- Diverse Applications: Plant biology research spans multiple industries including medicine, agriculture, climate science, biofuels, and industrial materials development, offering varied career paths.
Ready to explore plant biology programs? Discover accredited degree options that align with your research interests and career goals in environmental science.
Professional Organizations for Plant Biologists
Plant biology is a large, strong global discipline with several important professional organizations:
- American Society of Plant Biologists: Open to anyone who works professionally in the field. They publish two prestigious journals and award annual prizes and fund research excellence.
- The Global Plant Council: A coalition group for regional, national, and international organizations that work in the research and study of plants.
- International Crop Science Society: Their mission is to bring together crop scientists, no matter their specialty and no matter their global location, for better practice in agricultural research.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for agricultural and food scientists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
