Compensation
Median Pay
$84,620
National median annual wage for this occupation.
National Career Overview
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
National Median Pay
$84,620
Projected Growth
7.3%
Annual Openings
5,400
Career outlook
National Snapshot
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National
Employment
66,000
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Outlook
Projected Growth
7.3%
Projected employment change through 2034.
Opportunity
Annual Openings
5,400
Estimated openings created each year.
Pathway
Preparation
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
STEP 1
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
STEP 2
Experience
None
STEP 3
Training
None
Top Skills for Success
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Science
100 / 100
100%
Speaking & listening
99 / 100
99%
Writing & reading
94 / 100
94%
Adaptability
92 / 100
92%
Creativity & innovation
90 / 100
90%
Problem solving & decision making
90 / 100
90%
Computers & information technology
89 / 100
89%
Critical & analytical thinking
87 / 100
87%
Mathematics
87 / 100
87%
Leadership
86 / 100
86%
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Location Intelligence
Best Places for This Career
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Best Metro Areas
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- Top-paying cities
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CAREERGPS INSIGHTS
Career Analysis for Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Is Biological science teachers, postsecondary a Good Career?
Biological science teachers, postsecondary, work in higher education, teaching biology-related subjects to college or university students. Nationally, this occupation employs about 66,000 people, indicating a substantial academic workforce. The national median annual salary of $83,460 positions this role as a professional-level teaching and academic career. Projected employment growth of 7.3% and about 5,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities over time, including both new positions and replacement needs. Many roles typically require a doctoral or professional degree, reflecting the advanced knowledge expected in postsecondary education. Strong skills in science, communication, critical thinking, and technology support success in this field. For students, career changers, or educators seeking a long-term academic path in the biological sciences, this career offers a combination of advanced scholarly work, teaching, and a stable national employment base with consistent openings and growth.
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
Biological science teachers, postsecondary, earn a national median annual salary of $83,460. Salaries vary noticeably by location. Among top states, California reports a median salary of $129,150, Massachusetts $105,050, New York $98,180, Colorado $98,680, and Washington $97,280. These figures show that in certain states, median pay can be significantly higher than the national median. Metro-level data show additional differentiation. For example, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro lists a median salary of $133,540, while San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA reports $126,380, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH shows $128,070. In contrast, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro aligns more closely with the national level at $82,520. Overall, earning potential in this field is influenced by state and metro, with several major areas offering substantially higher median salaries than the national median.
Job Outlook for Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
This occupation has a national employment level of about 66,000 biological science teachers, postsecondary. Projected employment growth of 7.3% indicates that the total number of positions is expected to increase over time. In addition to growth, the field anticipates about 5,000 annual openings. These openings reflect a combination of new jobs created and positions that become available as people change roles or leave the workforce. The combination of a sizable existing workforce, measurable projected growth, and recurring annual openings suggests ongoing hiring needs in colleges and universities. For individuals planning a long-term career in academia within the biological sciences, these employment and growth figures point to a stable, moderately expanding job market where opportunities are expected to appear each year across the country.
Where Are the Best Opportunities for Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
Location plays a notable role in opportunity for biological science teachers, postsecondary. At the state level, California stands out with a median salary of $129,150, employment of 3,610, and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York also rank highly, with median salaries of $105,050 and $98,180 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively. Colorado and Washington feature somewhat lower opportunity scores in the mid‑50s but still show median salaries near or just under $100,000. In metro areas, opportunity scores and salaries vary further. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ have the highest opportunity scores at 77.42 and 77.27. Several metros show high median pay, including San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $133,540 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $128,070. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro has a median salary of $82,520 but still ranks among top metros by opportunity score, indicating that strong opportunity does not always coincide with the very highest pay.
Education for Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological science teachers, postsecondary, typically need a doctoral or professional degree. This reflects the advanced level of subject-matter expertise expected for teaching and working in higher education. The skill profile highlights the combination of deep disciplinary knowledge and strong communication abilities that support success in this role. Key skills include science, mathematics, and critical and analytical thinking, which underpin the ability to understand and explain complex biological concepts. Speaking and listening, along with writing and reading, are important for teaching, mentoring, and academic communication. Skills in problem solving and decision making, adaptability, and creativity and innovation support work in dynamic academic settings. Competence with computers and information technology is also identified as important, along with leadership, which can be valuable for guiding students and participating in departmental or institutional activities. Together, the education level and skills point to a career that blends high-level scholarship with effective teaching and academic leadership.
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