10 Jobs You Can Get With a Botany Degree (Plus Salaries)

What is botany?

Botany is the scientific study of plants. It covers their structure, genetics, growth, reproduction, classification and relationships with the environment.

Depending on the program, botany students may study:

• Plant biology
• Ecology
• Genetics
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Plant physiology
• Soil science
• Taxonomy
• Statistics
• Environmental science
• Laboratory and field research methods

These subjects can support careers in private companies, universities, government agencies, laboratories, botanical organizations and environmental consulting firms.

Salary information for botany careers

The salaries below use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics median annual wage data from May 2024. A median represents the midpoint: half of the workers in an occupation earned more, while half earned less.

Actual compensation depends on location, experience, education, employer and specialization. Several job titles are included within broader BLS occupational categories, so the figure may not represent every position using that title.

1. Environmental science and protection technician

Median annual salary: $49,490

Environmental science and protection technicians collect air, soil and water samples, maintain monitoring equipment and help investigate pollution or environmental hazards. They may divide their time among offices, laboratories and field locations.

A botany degree can be useful for positions involving plant habitats, soil conditions, water quality or ecological monitoring. Employers may also value laboratory experience and knowledge of geographic information systems.

2. Biological technician

Median annual salary: $52,000

Biological technicians support scientists with laboratory experiments and field research. Their duties may include preparing samples, operating equipment, recording observations and analyzing results.

Botany graduates may work in plant genetics, seed development, crop research, biotechnology or ecological laboratories. Undergraduate research and practical laboratory experience can improve employment prospects.

3. Conservation scientist

Median annual salary: $67,950

Conservation scientists help protect natural resources and advise landowners or government organizations on responsible land use. They may study soil health, water resources, vegetation and the effects of human activity.

Botany graduates can apply their knowledge of plant communities and ecosystems to habitat restoration, land assessment and conservation planning. Some positions may require fieldwork in remote areas.

4. Forester

Median annual salary: $70,660

Foresters manage wooded land for conservation, recreation or commercial use. They may monitor tree health, supervise planting, assess wildfire risks and develop forest management plans.

A botany degree may qualify graduates for some forestry roles, particularly when the program includes ecology, dendrology, soil science and resource management. Other positions may specifically require an accredited forestry degree or professional license, so candidates should review local requirements.

5. Soil and plant scientist

Median annual salary: $71,410

Soil and plant scientists examine how plants grow, respond to pests and interact with soil and environmental conditions. They may develop improved crop varieties, evaluate agricultural practices or research plant health.

This occupational category closely aligns with many botanist and agronomist positions. Employers may include agricultural companies, research organizations, consulting firms, universities and government agencies.

6. Agricultural and food scientist

Median annual salary: $78,770

Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve agricultural productivity, food quality and environmental sustainability. Plant-focused professionals may study crop diseases, breeding, plant nutrition or climate-resistant agriculture.

A bachelor’s degree in plant biology, botany, agricultural science or a related discipline may qualify candidates for some positions. Specialized research roles may require a master’s degree or doctorate.

The BLS lists a May 2024 median annual salary of $78,770 for agricultural and food scientists.

7. Environmental scientist

Median annual salary: $80,060

Environmental scientists investigate environmental problems and develop strategies to protect ecosystems and human health. They may assess contamination, evaluate development projects, prepare reports or advise organizations on regulatory compliance.

A botany graduate’s understanding of plant ecology can be valuable when studying habitat loss, invasive species, wetlands or environmental restoration. Coursework in statistics, environmental regulations and GIS may strengthen a candidate’s qualifications.

8. Biological science professor

Median annual salary: $83,460

Biological science professors teach courses, advise students and may conduct original research. A botany professor might specialize in plant physiology, ecology, taxonomy, genetics or agricultural science.

Most full-time university positions require a doctorate. Candidates may also need published research, teaching experience and postdoctoral training. Some community colleges or part-time teaching roles may have different requirements.

9. Microbiologist

Median annual salary: $87,330

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi and algae. Plant-focused microbiologists may investigate plant diseases, soil microorganisms, crop health or biological methods of controlling pests.

A botany degree with substantial coursework in microbiology, molecular biology and laboratory methods may qualify graduates for entry-level opportunities. Some employers prefer a master’s degree or doctorate for advanced research positions.

10. Biochemist or biophysicist

Median annual salary: $103,650

Biochemists and biophysicists examine biological processes at the chemical and physical levels. Plant-related work may involve genetics, photosynthesis, biofuels, crop development or the production of plant-based materials.

Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders may qualify for some entry-level laboratory positions. Independent research and development roles typically require a doctorate.

Skills developed through a botany degree

Laboratory skills

Students may learn to prepare samples, operate microscopes, maintain cultures and follow experimental protocols.

Field research

Botany programs can provide experience identifying plants, recording ecological observations and collecting samples under different environmental conditions.

Data analysis

Students use statistics and scientific software to interpret experiments and field research.

Scientific writing

Research reports help students explain methods, results, limitations and conclusions.

Plant identification

Taxonomy and field courses teach students to recognize and classify plant species.

Critical thinking

Botany students evaluate evidence, design experiments and determine whether results support a hypothesis.

Communication

Scientists need to explain research to colleagues, funding organizations, policymakers and the public.

How to prepare for a career with a botany degree

Gain practical experience

Look for internships, laboratory assistant positions, field courses and volunteer opportunities with botanical gardens, conservation groups or research institutions.

Choose a specialization

Possible concentrations include:

• Plant genetics
• Horticulture
• Agriculture
• Ecology
• Plant pathology
• Conservation
• Biotechnology
• Forestry
• Environmental consulting

A specialization can make it easier to select relevant coursework and internships.

Learn data and mapping tools

Spreadsheet analysis, statistical software, databases and GIS can support many plant and environmental science careers.

Build a research portfolio

Document your research question, methods, results and contribution. Include posters, reports or presentations when permitted.

Consider graduate education

A bachelor’s degree may support technician, field and entry-level scientific roles. A master’s degree can provide deeper specialization, while a doctorate is usually necessary for independent academic research and many university teaching positions.

Review job-specific requirements

A botany degree does not automatically satisfy every qualification. Forestry, environmental compliance and laboratory positions may require particular coursework, certifications or licenses.

Present Scientific Research Clearly With Dokie

Botany projects often produce field notes, research papers, datasets and complex scientific findings. Dokie is an AI presentation maker that can transform documents, URLs, research and notes into a structured, business-ready presentation, helping professionals explain methods, results and practical implications more clearly.

Dokie supports custom templates and editable PowerPoint exports, allowing researchers and organizations to refine every slide, update data and apply consistent branding. It can be used for research briefings, environmental reports, funding proposals, conference presentations and professional portfolios.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is botany a good degree?

Botany can be a suitable degree for people interested in plants, agriculture, biotechnology or environmental conservation. Its value depends on the student’s specialization, practical experience and career goals.

2. Can I become a botanist with a bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree may qualify you for technician, field research and some plant science positions. Independent research roles often require a master’s degree or doctorate.

3. What industries hire botany graduates?

Potential employers include agricultural companies, biotechnology firms, environmental consultancies, government agencies, universities, botanical gardens and conservation organizations.

4. What is the highest-paying career on this list?

Biochemists and biophysicists have the highest listed BLS median salary at $103,650. However, many advanced research positions require graduate education, and salaries vary by employer, location and experience.