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 about 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 |
1,689 Small |
& |
4.7% |
8.2% |
>>>> |
158 Few |
| Champaign Area |
111 Small |
& |
2.7% |
5.2% |
>>>> |
8 Very few |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area |
5 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
2.9% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Cook County |
707 Small |
& |
3.4% |
9.2% |
>>>> |
64 Very few |
| DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area |
92 Small |
& |
5.4% |
10.3% |
>>>> |
8 Very few |
| Du Page County |
203 Small |
& |
14.8% |
8.8% |
>>>> |
22 Very few |
| Edwardsville Area |
16 Very small |
& |
6.3% |
12.4% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area |
19 Very small |
& |
5.3% |
6.0% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| Lake County |
161 Small |
& |
5.6% |
11.7% |
>>>> |
15 Very few |
| Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area |
30 Very small |
& |
-6.7% |
4.4% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| Northwest Illinois Area |
5 Very small |
& |
20.0% |
4.3% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area |
77 Very small |
& |
5.2% |
4.5% |
>>>> |
5 Very few |
| Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area |
7 Very small |
& |
0.0% |
3.5% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Rock Island-Moline Area |
36 Very small |
& |
-2.8% |
5.6% |
>>>> |
3 Very few |
| Rockford Area |
11 Very small |
& |
27.3% |
6.6% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| Springfield Area |
14 Very small |
& |
14.3% |
4.6% |
>>>> |
0 None |
| St Louis-Belleville Area |
34 Very small |
& |
-8.8% |
0.9% |
>>>> |
2 Very few |
| Will County |
25 Very small |
& |
20.0% |
14.9% |
>>>> |
1 Very few |
| United States |
125,700 Medium |
& |
6.9% |
4.0% |
>>>> |
10,400 Few |