phd in botany salary

Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina

Botany is a new area of science, just introduced in the field of biology. Thus, there are certain jobs that seek the expertise from the experts who have been in this field for quite a while now. If you’re a botanist who has recently acquired a Ph.D. degree in botany and looking to find new job opportunities, you have come to the right place! After going through this article, you will sure know what best jobs awaits for you. Those of you seeking the job opportunities for botany graduates and careers in botany and horticulture need not look further as the article below gives you all the information you require and more. You will also find related information on highest paying botany jobs

The job opportunities for botany graduates and careers in botany and horticulture This means that he sees this is a long-term career that will be evolving and developing greatly in coming years. Indeed, in many cases, many businesses and companies also need the services of the botanists.

Why Botany is Important

The research conducted by academics and professionals in this field has contributed greatly to our understanding of various plants, their processes, the ecosystems they exist within, and their relationship with humans and animals.

For example, the application of what we learn from studying botany can be applied for purposes such as:

• Preserving our natural resources

• Producing antibiotics for animals and humans from plants

• Utilizing plants as a fuel source

• Increasing our air and water quality

• Furthering knowledge relating to the balancing of ecosystems

• Increasing our knowledge of the impact of climate change

Phd In Botany Salary

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Botanist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is $66,615 – $74,441.

job opportunities for botany graduates

Careers in botany are rooted in a high regard for plant life. Jobs in this field center on the necessity of plants for our existence. Plant knowledge has broad applications for preserving human life and our natural world. Among them are finding medical cures, breeding hardy crops, and saving endangered plant species. With a bachelor’s degree in botany, here are exciting professions grounded in plant science.

1. Biotechnologist

This profession involves using live plants to design new biological products. Working in labs, biotechnologists conduct experiments, from which they develop materials. Inventions credited to these scientists are biofuels, medicines, bioplastics, and disease-resistant crops.

Employers seek candidates who are innovative, analytical, detail-minded, and articulate. College grads often start as research technicians. Job responsibilities involve setting up and maintaining lab equipment, recording data, and preparing reports. With experience, tasks can progress into designing the research that spawns new products.

2. Florist

This job suits the botany grad with crafting skill and design talent. Florists artfully create flower arrangements, using fresh, dried, and artificial blooms. They tailor bouquets to a range of occasions, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and graduations. Businesses hire florists to decorate their reception areas and conference rooms. Florists may also network with interior designers and wedding planners.

While designing bouquets, florists must also order stock and supplies. To draw clients, they fashion window and refrigerated displays. They help customers choose flowers, containers, and floral accessories. When closing sales, they tally purchases, handle payments, and issue receipts. 

To excel in this field, math and communication skills are required. A person must also be patient, polite, and congenial, even during busy holidays. Florists work at local shops, retail chains, and grocery stores. When seeking employment, it helps to have floral design certification and accreditation.

3. Plant Geneticist

Also termed “plant breeder,” this profession specializes in crop cultivation. Plant geneticists improve the value of edible plants regarding nutrition, flavor, appearance, yield, and hardiness. Working in laboratories, they upgrade existing crops and birth new plant varieties.

Responsibilities include implementing research goals, plant cross-pollination, gene isolation, breeding, recordkeeping, and research publication. The tasks of a plant geneticist require being organized, analytical, detail-minded, and articulate. Even at the entry level, this is one of the most well-paid careers in botany. Plant breeders are hired by seed companies, food producers, universities, research firms, and government departments.

4. Field Botanist

The heart of this profession is hands-on plant care. Field botanists engage in plant propagation, growth, and cultivation, both in the laboratory and outdoors. They help to invent new medicines and optimize crop production. They also identify invasive plants that threaten native species.

At a school, a field botanist may develop a horticulture curriculum or on-site garden, along with training students in plant care. At a research center, field botanists are tasked with finding new scientific uses for plants. They’re also employed by arboretums, botanic gardens, conservatories, medical labs, state and national parks, and science journals.

For job success, a candidate needs in-depth knowledge of plant physiology, statistics, and calculus. They must also be adaptable and articulate. Since field botanists draft surveys, manuscripts, grant applications, and research projects, they need strong writing skills. For the college grad with the proverbial green thumb, this is one of the most fulfilling careers in botany.

5. Naturalist

Naturalists raise environmental awareness through education. In creative ways, they foster in people an appreciation for nature. They also teach how to protect the ecosystems of parks, rivers, forests, and wetlands. Through lectures and tours, a naturalist explains the effects of human activities on the environment. The scientist also teaches about climatic change, weather patterns, and safeguarding wild plants and animals.

Naturalists make learning fun. For young people, they lead educational games, rock climbs, and forest hikes. They spearhead efforts to clean up rivers and parks. They also design engaging interpretative programs. Naturalists are hired by government departments, state parks, and environmental groups. On a contract basis, they work as consultants to non-profit organizations, scientific firms, and government agencies.

To teach effectively, a naturalist must be enthusiastic and articulate, with leadership skills. For the college grad who enjoys sharing a love of nature and being outdoors, naturalist is one of the most rewarding careers in botany.

Plant Champions

Careers in botany spotlight the innovative use of plants to improve human well-being. Some jobs entail environmental protection. Five meaningful professions in this field are biotechnologist, florist, plant geneticist, field botanist, and naturalist. Driven by a deep respect for plant life, these dedicated scientists protect our precious Earth.

careers in botany and horticulture

Horticulture is the art, technology, business, education and science of plants. It is the food we eat, the landscapes we live and play in, the environments we thrive in. It is the business of managing and using what we grow, while maintaining the health of our soil, air, and water, and the well-being of our children, our communities, and our world. In short – it’s all about plants!

There are hundreds of career pathways. Here are some of them to get you started exploring. Click on your interest below to show a list of plant careers in that area. And, at the left is an alphabetical list of careers in horticulture.

1. horticultural product management 

If you decide to pursue a career in horticultural product management, you’ll be involved in working with internal partners in a horticulture company and providing customer service to people who love plants as much as you do. As a matter of fact, product managers in horticulture companies focus on providing customers with positive experiences right from the pre-sale stage to the post-sale stage when they set up their product portfolios. 

The nature of this career requires managers to have a good understanding of the product cultivation process as well as post-harvest handling processes. This knowledge enables horticultural product managers to engage customers knowledgeably. To pursue a career in horticultural product management, you need to complete a Bachelor’s degree and have good communication, sales, and marketing skills. 

2. conservation science

Another ideal career for anyone who gets fascinated by plants is conservation science. When you pursue this career, you become a conservation scientist. This means you’ll be involved in taking care of natural resources like land, water, and the environment. In this job, you’ll be helping landowners and governments make the best decisions on how to use and conserve lands including managing forests, parks, and any other natural lands that are under their ownership. 

Conservation science is very similar to environmental science in the sense that they involve helping people make better decisions that protect the environment. However, a career in environmental science is largely involved in conserving solid, water, air, and land in order to protect the earth from being destroyed by man-made activities like urbanization, fracking, and pollution. 

One of the jobs that you’ll find under conservation science is being a conservation biologist—which involves studying the climate and its effects on our natural resources. To work in this career, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree to qualify for a senior position. 

3. botanical science

 Plants have long been used as food and medicine. This is precisely what attracts people to gardening and botany. In very simple terms, botany involves studying and caring for plants. Botanists are scientists who specialize in the biology of plants. They are experts in different vegetations including cacti, grass, shrubs, algae, and edibles like fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Botanists differ from gardeners and landscapers in the sense that botanists conduct research on plants while the latter only grow, arrange, and care for them. 

As a career, botanical science is a broad field that creates space for numerous kinds of jobs that would involve working with many kinds of plants. If you decide to pursue a career in botanical science, you’ll need to pick an area or several areas of focus. For instance, you can choose field botany where you’ll be involved in the search for new plant species, or opt for medicinal botany where you can participate in the search for new plants that can treat diseases. 

To pursue a career in botanical science, you need to hold a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. A career in senior research positions also requires a Masters and Doctorate degree. 

4. organic farming 

With more people becoming conscious of healthy eating, organic food has become increasingly popular. While farming may seem like an old and non-glamorous career, organic farming is becoming the new frontier as farmers seek to play an active role in improving food production in different parts of the world. If you live in the city and want to engage in organic farming, consider joining sustainable farming clubs or urban gardening groups that grow plants in designated parks and rooftops. This is a great way to bring nature to the city and build an organic farming career.

5. plant biologist

A career in plant biology involves becoming an expert in different vegetation including flowers, grass, algae, shrubs, moss, cacti, and edibles like vegetables, fruits, and herbs. As a plant biologist, you’ll be involved in researching the biology of different plants and their impact on the ecosystem. 

However, unlike botanists, biologists usually don’t participate in researching new plant species or looking for new plant-based medicines. Instead, their work revolves around laboratories, collect specimens, and making reports for various agencies. To work as a plant biologist, you need to acquire a Bachelor’s degree or higher. 

6. plant pathology

Just like animals, plants also get attacked by diseases. To understand plant diseases and determine their characteristics, plant pathologists run tests and conduct laboratory experiments.

If you’re fascinated by plants, you’d surely love this job as it could provide you the opportunity to travel around the world. You’ll go to locations where specific plant diseases are prevalent. You’ll likely be running tests on soil compositions and collecting samples when you’re traveling.

The best thing about being a plant pathologist is that you may have the chance to develop new plant types that are disease-resistant. It will allow you to contribute something meaningful to society. Disease-resistant plants are beneficial, particularly in the field of food production.

7. plant geneticist

Another plant-related career that allows you to create new types of plants is plant genetics. As a plant geneticist, you’ll study genetics in botany. Your work will revolve around isolating different genes. The end goal is to develop specific and favorable plant traits. 

Plant geneticists’ work is vital because they create different strains of crops and make them more sustainable and easy-growing. They do it by improving the plant’s natural traits so it can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide more nutritional value.

8. horticultural therapy

Anyone who is fascinated by plants and loves helping people should consider becoming a horticultural therapist. This career combines social service with gardening to help support and heal people who have mental and physical health problems. As a horticultural therapist, you’ll be engaging patients in plant-based activities such as gardening as part of their therapy treatment plan.

Horticultural therapists work in different settings including hospitals, community gardens, rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, and even retirement homes. If you decide to pursue this career, you’ll work closely with mental health experts and health care workers to support patient recovery through therapy. 

You’ll need to complete academic coursework to become a horticultural therapist. The study of horticultural therapy combines plant and human science. It also involves studying horticultural therapy techniques and concepts. You can take human and plant science courses online and offline in universities or colleges. You will also need a bachelor’s degree for this career path.

9. floriculturist 

If you like choosing and arranging flowers for special events such as weddings and debuts, then you might want to consider becoming a floriculturist. A floriculturist cultivates flowers and ornamental plants and design bouquets or supplies such flowers for commercial use. Floriculturists with advanced degrees are also found in universities and in the horticulture industry to conduct research where they develop and breed new varieties of flowers. 

The minimum education requirement for becoming a floriculturist is a high school diploma. However, research and higher-level positions typically require a Bachelor’s degree. Those with advanced degrees can also teach courses in floriculture and conduct research studies.

10. plant videographer

A plant videographer creates films or documentaries that are centered on natural resources, which would usually include plants. These films would also focus on environmental issues and problems that involve plants. Think about the shows that you see on National Geographic or Discovery Channel. If you would like to work for such shows behind the scenes, then being a plant videographer would be a great career path for you. 

Specifically, videography refers to the process of recording and capturing moving images on camera. The work generally includes video production and post-production work like video editing. Generally, one does not need a formal education to become a plant videographer. However, some training, skill, and experience in videography are required.

11. horticulture writer

Do you enjoy writing and gardening at the same time? If that’s the case, then you’ll find this career very interesting. As a specialist horticulture writer, you’ll write for television and radio shows, gardening websites, and farming magazines. It’s definitely a great career choice if you love crops or plants and want to share your knowledge with the world.

If you’re able to meet tight deadlines and possess a good command of the English language, then it won’t be hard for you to look for opportunities in this field. Note that if you have plans to write for the web, it will be beneficial to understand basic HTML as well.

12. ethnobotanist

An ethnobotanist studies a region’s plants and their practical uses through traditional and passed on knowledge by the local culture and their people. The minimum education required is a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree.

13. plant morphologist 

A plant morphologist studies the physical form and external structure of plants. Plant morphology is useful in the visual identification of plants. The minimum education requirement is a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

14. ecologists

Ecology is a branch of biology, but this branch focuses on the relationships of different kinds of organisms within an environment. Ecology covers a broad range of studies, and if you are interested to focus on plants, then you may just specialize in terrestrial ecology. Other specializations in this field would include aquatic and evolutionary ecology. The minimum education requirement is a Bachelor’s degree.

15. landscape maintenance specialist 

If you like to decorate and maintain lawns using plants, being a landscape maintenance specialist is a great career option for you. A landscape maintenance specialist typically works for a landscaping company and maintains lawns and landscapes for commercial or residential customers. The minimum requirement is to obtain a certification and pesticide license from your state.

highest paying botany jobs

A career in plant science can follow many different paths, depending on your interests and focus. Below is a list of possible career paths with tasks and average salary information. The salaries below were populated using data from Indeed Salaries unless otherwise stated:

1. Floral designer

National average salary: $39,483 per year

Primary duties: A floral designer is responsible for designing and arranging real and artificial flowers for display. They may fill special orders based on customer requests, make traditional decorations for weddings, dances, funerals and other events and create their own original designs with various types of flowers and plants.

2. Landscape technician

National average salary: $55,388 per year

Primary duties: A landscape technician is responsible for caring for the landscaping of a property, including growing and maintaining the plants, flowers and trees that grow in a specific area. They may maintain and install sprinkler systems and other irrigation systems, plan new growth patterns based on seasonal changes, adhere to the necessary feeding and water schedules of plants and construct walkways throughout the landscaping.

3. Horticulturist

National average salary: $39,483 per year

Primary duties: A horticulturist is responsible for cultivating, harvesting, planting, pruning and feeding plants to help them thrive. They may work for a garden center, arboretum or another similar facility that has a lot of plants that require constant care. Horticulturists also diagnose diseases in plants and come up with treatment plans.

4. Professor

National average salary: $63,693 per year

Primary duties: A professor of plant science teaches the topics related to this focus of science to college students, typically in the botany or biology department. They may create lesson plans, give lectures, conduct and grade examinations, assign coursework and work directly with students. Depending on the course, field or lab work could be part of the curriculum.

5. Landscape designer

National average salary: $56,838 per year

Primary duties: A landscape designer, also called a landscape architect, is responsible for designing functional and attractive landscaping elements for a piece of property. They can work with residential property owners to design beautiful yards, as well as commercial clients to design public parks, school campuses, gardens and other public spaces. Landscape designers must plan where to place various plants, shrubs, flowers and trees, balancing aesthetic appeal with the needs of the plants and where they will thrive.

6. Crop consultant

National average salary: $63,200 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Primary duties: A crop consultant or advisor advises on crop management, making recommendations on seed planting, fertilization, pest management and treatment for diseases that can impact plants. Crop consultants can work with growers all over the world to help them improve plant production.

7. Entomologist

National average salary: $63,270 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Primary duties: An entomologist is responsible for studying the classification, behavior, ecology, physiology, lifecycle and population dynamics of insects. They may study insects that live in forests, feed on other animals or live in urban areas. Some entomologists focus on how to more effectively control pests through research and the study of patterns and habits.

8. Soil scientist

National average salary: $65,160 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Primary duties: A soil scientist is responsible for researching and studying the characteristics of soil and applying their findings to determine the proper use capabilities of soil in different areas of the world. Soil scientists also map various soil types and investigate the responses of those soil types to management practices to determine what will grow best in each type. They may provide consultation services on urban or rural land use based on their soil research findings.

9. Agronomist

National average salary: $67,105 per year

Primary duties: An agronomist is responsible for managing soil management and control and crop management, which are the key areas in the production and growth of food. Agronomists study plants, seeds, soil and products to better understand the needs of different types of crops. They aim to develop more efficient farming and growth practices that allow growers to maximize production.

10. Environmental scientist

National average salary: $71,726 per year

Primary duties: An environmental scientist is responsible for managing and protecting the environment and problems that threaten it, including pollution. Environmental scientists collect and aggregate data from air, food, water and soil samples, analyze the samples to identify environmental threats and concerns and develop plans to manage those threats. They may also present their findings to governmental agencies and private organizations.

11. Chemist

National average salary: $76,279 per year

Primary duties: A chemist is responsible for analyzing inorganic and organic compounds, testing chemical products and refining substances. They must perform research as they develop new products and test various components to ensure their safety. Chemists also conduct quality control on products that will be used by consumers.

12. Biologist

National average salary: $80,658 per year

Primary duties: A biologist is responsible for studying plant life and living organisms to understand their behaviors, composition, habitats and interaction with their environment. A biologist will conduct experiments on these organisms and report on the findings, collect measurements and samples and interpret data to provide information about the relationships between living organisms.

13. Toxicologist

National average salary: $88,790 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Primary duties: A toxicologist is responsible for testing samples to determine the presence of various chemicals and toxins. They may test human or animal samples, such as tissue and bodily fluids, or they may test plant life to determine the effectiveness of various chemicals used to manage weeds and other growth. Toxicologists apply scientific techniques to identify the presence of toxins and assess the potentially harmful effects and risks associated with their presence.

14. Plant engineer

National average salary: $90,684 per year

Primary duties: A plant engineer is responsible for studying the management, physiology and breeding of crops and applying their findings to develop crops that are more resistant to threats, such as pests and unfavorable climate conditions. They often apply genetic engineering to determine how crops can be modified to adapt to different growing conditions and produce more fruit.

15. Biochemist

National average salary: $94,490 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Primary duties: A biochemist is responsible for studying the chemistry of living processes, including energy changes and cell development, and applying what they find to create medical advancements that benefit patients suffering from various diseases and ailments. Biochemists also work to understand the chemical responses of tissues and other body components, as well as study the effects of various types of medications and treatments.