What Can You Do With a Paleontology Degree? (With 10 Jobs To Consider)
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Updated May 30, 2025
Video: A Day in the Life of a Paleontologist (Plus SALARY & Budget Breakdown 💵)
Dig into the world of paleontology 🦕 Spend a day in the life with Russell as he shares the ins-and-outs of his career. He'll also share his real salary and insights into how he budgets monthly.
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What is a paleontology degree?
Earning a degree in paleontology typically involves an educational path that progresses toward securing a Ph.D. Although employers don't always require candidates to have a Ph.D., having one can improve your job opportunities. Many paleontologists choose their area of focus after studying a variety of related academic topics, such as biology or geology. Here are some examples of courses you might take while earning a paleontology degree:- Geology
- Mineralogy
- Sedimentary petrology
- Ecology
- Vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology
- Genetics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Calculus
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Evolution
- Stratigraphy
10 jobs you can pursue with a paleontology degree
Here are some potential jobs you may consider pursue if you possess a paleontology degree. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, please click on the links below:1. Lab assistant
National average salary: $39,537 per yearPrimary duties: Lab assistants work in research and testing facilities, typically collaborating with a scientist or doctor to conduct studies and test materials or chemicals. Working as a lab assistant requires a high degree of focus and professionalism, as the materials handled in labs may often be toxic or otherwise harmful to humans. Lab assistants are frequently students who are seeking experience while working on earning a degree at the same time.Related: Learn About Being a Lab Assistant2. Research assistant
National average salary: $45,249 per yearPrimary duties: Research assistants are members of a scientific team who a lead researcher may guide through their tasks. Research assistants often operate externally from typical lab or office environments, as they may collect samples or data from various locations while conducting fieldwork. Aside from taking notes and collecting and analyzing samples, research assistants often clean and sterilize equipment after use.3. Journalist
National average salary: $41,431 per yearPrimary duties: Journalists may work for newspapers, broadcast studios, magazines or other news outlets to investigate stories and report on their findings. With a degree in paleontology, these professionals might work as a scientific journalist who report on significant paleontological discoveries around the world. Journalists typically work in many different environments. They may spend weeks traveling to gather information and take notes before spending time in an office setting to write an article.Related: Learn About Being a Journalist4. Curator
National average salary: $62,023 per yearPrimary duties: Curators work in museums, libraries or other facilities that are available to the public. A curator is responsible for acquiring artifacts or specimens to display at their facility, as well as organizing and maintaining displays. Curators may also host guided tours or present lectures to visitors who visit their museum. Curators often act as consultants for researchers, as they typically possess extensive knowledge in their respective fields.5. Professor
National average salary: $61,014 per yearPrimary duties: Professors are members of the faculty at institutions of higher education who are responsible for leading classes for students, grading assignments and presenting lectures. Often, they're able to explore their own topics of research using university facilities or resources. Professors typically have extensive knowledge of their area of expertise, so most universities require them to hold at least a master's degree in their specialty. While working at a university, professors may periodically publish their research in academic journals.6. Research coordinator
National average salary: $69,222 per yearPrimary duties: A research coordinator is a professional who organizes research projects. They're responsible for securing funding, dictating schedules and organizing facilities for research teams to use. Their duties are typically administrative, so employers may not always require research coordinators to be experts in their field of research. However, possessing a high level of knowledge in their discipline can be beneficial, as it allows them to more accurately assess the needs of a research team.7. Environmental specialist
National average salary: $56,316 per yearPrimary duties: Environmental specialists may study a specific location or biome and determine how it functions, or they may oversee the impact of human activity on a particular ecosystem. Many environmental specialists work for governmental departments, such as those responsible for maintaining air and water quality. Environmental specialists may also find work as part of a research team conducting activities in the field or with an endangered species. Becoming an environmental specialist typically requires earning at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, as well as experience in a research assistant role.8. Lab manager
National average salary: $81,555 per yearPrimary duties: Lab managers oversee laboratory operations to ensure that team members adhere to proper safety protocols and budget restrictions. Lab managers are also responsible for creating schedules, maintaining security and supplying their facility with the tools required to conduct research effectively. Lab managers may often find work with private companies or public universities.9. Forensic analyst
National average salary: $126,866 per yearPrimary duties: Forensic analysts examine locations and objects to gather information about events that occurred in the past. Many forensic analysts work as crime scene investigators, inspecting crime scenes for evidence and information that might aid authoritative personnel. Forensic analysts are often experts in geology, osteology or hematology.10. Research scientist
National average salary: $95,565 per yearPrimary duties: Research scientists are members of a research team, directing assistants and working with a research coordinator to perform experiments. Research scientists often work in fields such as medicine, chemistry and biology. The range of work a research scientist performs often depends on the company their employing organization. Universities may also employ these professionals and direct their research on a specific topic of their choosing.
The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers
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