Education and libraries
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay
$84,620
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
4,700
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to biological science teachers, postsecondary
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Biological science teachers, postsecondary: 94% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Prepare materials for laboratory activities and course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Also called: Anatomy Instructor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Biological Sciences Professor · Biology Instructor · Biology Professor · Instructor · Lecturer
Outlook and AI
Biological science teachers, postsecondary held 62,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 66,500 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Demand change - share increases as demand for biology courses is expected to increase.
Compare with
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Environmental science teachers, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Biological scientists, all other
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Physics teachers, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Teaching assistants, postsecondary
- Biological science teachers, postsecondary vs. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary