The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings. These figures do not include biologists who teach at colleges or universities.
Employment
Major employers:
- Research and testing firms
- Drug manufacturing firms
- Colleges and universities
Outlook
Growth is expected to be faster than average. There will be strong competition for basic and applied research positions. Federal funding for research has grown. However, at the same time, the number of newly trained scientists has increased. Thus, the job market for research positions and research funding will remain competitive.
Drug manufacturing firms should continue to create new jobs for biologists. Biologists will also have a good chance of finding work at biotechnology firms. They will be needed to correct environmental problems, such as the negative effects of pesticide use. Some will find opportunities in environmental regulatory agencies.
Job prospects will be best for those with advanced degrees.
Biologists (CIS 100254)
| Location | Employment | & | Growth | >>>> | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||||
| Illinois |
1,335 Small |
& |
6.5% |
2.7% |
>>>> |
107 Few |
| Champaign Area |
37 Very small |
& |
16.2% |
1.9% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| Cook County |
551 Small |
& |
6.2% |
3.0% |
>>>> |
43 Very few |
| DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
66 Very small |
& |
7.6% |
4.0% |
>>>> |
4 Very few |
| Du Page County |
164 Small |
& |
9.1% |
3.7% |
>>>> |
14 Very few |
| Edwardsville Area |
12 Very small |
& |
16.7% |
4.4% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area |
30 Very small |
& |
3.3% |
-0.1% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| Lake County |
228 Small |
& |
7.0% |
2.6% |
>>>> |
18 Very few |
| McHenry County |
7 Very small |
& |
14.3% |
6.1% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
21 Very small |
& |
4.8% |
0.2% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| Northwest Illinois Area |
19 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
5.1% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area |
45 Very small |
& |
15.6% |
1.3% |
>>>> |
3 Very few |
| Rock Island-Moline Area |
38 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
1.8% |
>>>> |
3 Very few |
| Rockford Area |
18 Very small |
& |
5.6% |
2.4% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| Springfield Area |
18 Very small |
& |
-11.1% |
-0.8% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| St Louis-Belleville Area |
43 Very small |
& |
4.7% |
0.2% |
>>>> |
3 Very few |
| Will County |
50 Very small |
& |
14.0% |
5.4% |
>>>> |
5 Very few |
| United States |
120,000 Medium |
& |
3.1% |
3.1% |
>>>> |
9,400 Few |