Physiology graduates earn $62,172 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 17.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Health Specialties Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Physiology is a focused area of study within Biology. Graduates typically earn around $62,172 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 265 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 10,453 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
$31,146
Median Earnings · 4yr
$62,172
Colleges Offering
265
Graduates / Year
10,453
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,867
How Much Do Physiology Graduates Earn?
Physiology graduates earn $62,172 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,546 and $83,514. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $31,146 climbs to $62,172 by year four.
$31,146
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$62,172
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$60,151
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Physiology 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.
$41,54625th pct.
$62,172Median
$83,51475th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $62,172 and an estimated $79,468 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.5 years.
Based on outcomes from 159 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 10,453 students who complete Physiology programs each year, the majority (72%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
72%20%
Bachelor's72%
Master's20%
Doctorate7%
What Can You Do With a Physiology Degree?
Physiology connects to 6 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.
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.
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Doctoral or professional degree9,600 openings/yr172K employed nationally
WritingActive LearningScienceSpeakingJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
Top Colleges for Physiology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Physiology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Physiology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Physiology shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $62,172 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $31,146 at graduation to $62,172 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 55,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMost 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 expectedTop 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.
Physiology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Physiology graduates earn?
Physiology graduates earn a national median of $62,172 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,546 and $83,514. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Physiology degree?
One year after graduation, Physiology degree holders earn a median of $31,146. That climbs to $62,172 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Physiology degree?
Physiology 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 Physiology program take?
A Physiology 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 Physiology?
265 colleges and universities in the United States offer Physiology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Physiology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $62,172 and an average net price of roughly $19,867/yr, a Physiology 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 Physiology and Biology?
Physiology is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Physiology-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 Physiology graduates?
Employers hiring Physiology 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 Physiology 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 Physiology graduates?
The job outlook for Physiology graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +8.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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