Biologist Salary Overview: A Global Perspective
The average Biologist salary varies dramatically across the globe. In the United States, Biologists earn an estimated $85,000 USD per year, which serves as our baseline for international comparisons. Across all 42 countries we track, the global average salary for this occupation is approximately $44,297 USD.
The highest-paying country for Biologists is United States at $81,600 USD per year, while the lowest among tracked countries is India at $9,065 USD. This 9x difference reflects the vast disparities in economic development, labor market conditions, and industry demand across different regions.
Understanding Salary Differences
Nominal salary figures only tell part of the story. A higher salary in one country doesn't necessarily mean a better standard of living. That's why we include Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) adjusted salaries and the Big Mac Index in our comparisons. PPP adjustments account for differences in the cost of goods and services between countries, giving you a more accurate picture of what your salary can actually buy.
For example, a Biologist earning $81,600 in United States might have less purchasing power than the nominal figure suggests due to a higher cost of living. The Big Mac Index, developed by The Economist, offers an intuitive way to compare purchasing power using the price of a McDonald's Big Mac as a universal benchmark.
Methodology and Data Sources
Our salary estimates are calculated using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as a baseline, adjusted per country using OECD average wage data and GDP per capita figures from the World Bank. Each occupation also has a sector-specific multiplier that accounts for how wages in that particular field differ from the national average.
These figures should be used as approximate benchmarks rather than precise predictions. Actual salaries can vary significantly based on years of experience, education level, specific employer, city or region within a country, and current market conditions. For the most accurate salary information, we recommend combining these estimates with local job market data and salary surveys.