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Botany

Botany graduates earn $49,245 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,017 and $64,200. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Botany

Botany is a focused area of study within Biology. Graduates typically earn around $49,245 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 80 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 743 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $31,861
Median Earnings · 4yr: $49,245
Colleges Offering: 80
Graduates / Year: 743
Avg Net Price / yr: $17,427

How Much Do Botany Graduates Earn?

Botany graduates earn $49,245 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,017 and $64,200. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $31,861 climbs to $49,245 by year four.

$31,861

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$49,245

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$54,246

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Botany graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$35,017 25th pct.

$49,245 Median

$64,200 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $49,245 and an estimated $69,708 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.6 years.

Based on outcomes from 57 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 743 students who complete Botany programs each year, the majority (47%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

47% 23% 29%

Bachelor's 47%

Doctorate 29%

Master's 23%

What Can You Do With a Botany Degree?

Botany connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +7.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Biological Science Teachers

$84,620

$64K $127K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 5,400 openings/yr 50K employed nationally

Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

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.

↗ +5.4% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Soil and Plant Scientists

$78,850

$62K $104K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 1,700 openings/yr 16K employed nationally

Critical Thinking Active Learning Reading Comprehension Speaking Science

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.

Top Colleges for Botany

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Botany students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Oregon State University Corvallis, OR · Public	48	77.3%	$19,604	$64,010
2	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	46	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
3	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	41	41.7%	$17,303	$68,758
4	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	30	11%	$13,481	$92,446
5	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	28	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
6	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	28	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
7	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public	28	79.8%	$16,778	$69,020
8	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	26	49.9%	$14,600	$72,424
9	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS · Public	26	77.6%	$17,595	$51,513
10	University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA · Public	25	76.4%	$14,304	$67,699
11	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, OH · Public	25	75.4%	$28,384	$55,076
12	University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI · Public	25	86.6%	$15,664	$57,624
13	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	24	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
14	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	23	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
15	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata, CA · Public	21	98.2%	$13,171	$47,626
16	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH · Public	19	85%	$21,637	$52,581
17	Northwestern University Evanston, IL · Nonprofit	18	7.7%	$29,167	$89,363
18	University of Vermont Burlington, VT · Public	17	65.3%	$19,343	$62,472
19	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE · Public	14	87.5%	$17,747	$56,887
20	University of Maine Orono, ME · Public	14	96.6%	$17,510	$48,653

View all colleges

Ranked by Botany graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Botany program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Botany degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Botany Degree: Pros & Cons

Botany carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 3 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $31,861 at graduation to $49,245 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +7.3% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 15,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $49,245 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($35,017) and 75th ($64,200) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Botany Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Botany graduates earn?

Botany graduates earn a national median of $49,245 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,017 and $64,200. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Botany degree?

One year after graduation, Botany degree holders earn a median of $31,861. That climbs to $49,245 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Botany degree?

Botany degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Botany program take?

A Botany bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Botany?

80 colleges and universities in the United States offer Botany programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Botany degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $49,245 and an average net price of roughly $17,427/yr, a Botany degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Botany and Biology?

Botany is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Botany-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Botany graduates?

Employers hiring Botany graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Botany graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Botany graduates?

The job outlook for Botany graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.5% job growth over the next 10 years. Biological Science Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +7.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.