Lab / research technician
$45,000 – $65,000
The classic first job; a stepping stone, not a ceiling
Degree guide
what can i do with a biology degree?
The degree everyone starts pre-med and almost nobody finishes pre-med. Good news: the fallback map is much bigger than the mythology says.
Most bio grads don't become doctors, and that is not a failure story
Med school admits a small fraction of the people who enrolled in biology intending to apply. The degree still carries lab technique, data literacy and scientific writing — currencies in biotech, health systems, environment and food science. The trap is only in having no plan B until fourth year.
Jobs and salary context
Typical Canadian ranges from Job Bank medians, checked Oct 2026. Actual outcomes vary by role, location, experience, and employer.
Biotech / pharma associate
$55,000 – $85,000
QA, regulatory and clinical-trial roles hire steadily
Environmental scientist
$55,000 – $85,000
Consulting firms hire bio grads for field + report work
Clinical research coordinator
$55,000 – $80,000
Hospitals and CROs; organized people thrive
Food science / quality
$50,000 – $80,000
Every food company employs this and nobody tells students
Physician assistant / nursing (bridge)
$75,000 – $110,000
Second credential required; bio degree gives full prereq coverage
FAQ
What can I do with just a bachelor's in biology?
Lab tech, biotech operations, environmental consulting, clinical research coordination, food quality, science communication and sales. The bachelor's is employable; it is just employable in places the pre-med pipeline never mentions.
Should I do biology if I might not get into med school?
Do it with a parallel plan, not instead of one. Pick electives that build a second exit (stats, computer science, business), and get one paid lab or field season before fourth year.
Is biology or biochemistry better for jobs?
Biochem edges ahead for pharma and lab roles; biology is broader across environment and health systems. The co-op term matters more than the label.