Also called: Insect Scientist, Biological Control Specialist
Studies insects that eat crops, and the 'good bugs' that eat the bad ones.
You set sticky traps in orchards and count moths, release tiny wasps that parasitize crop pests, or test whether a new pesticide is safe for bees. Back in the lab you raise thousands of insects for experiments.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's or PhD in entomology; some technician roles with a bachelor's.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Entomology, Biology, Plant Protection.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Estimate; biological scientists, all other.
Low risk for 10 years. AI insect traps and image ID speed counts; field research on new pests and control strategies stays human.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.