Botanist
Sample Subheading
Also known as: ["Plant scientist", "horticulturist", "plant biologist"]
Botanists are problem-solvers who dive deep into the world of plants, performing their work in labs, greenhouses, and in the field. Their diverse areas of research include developing drought-resistant crops, studying climate change's effect on ecosystems, and helping to secure our global food supply. No matter their focus, they turn their passion for plants into solutions to the challenges of both today and tomorrow.
Duties
- Identify & classify plants Identify and classify plant species using dichotomous keys. You’ll examine plant taxonomy and structure for accurate identification.
- Experiment with plant genes Modify plant genetics to improve traits or discover medicinal properties. You’ll use genetics, biotechnology, and lab techniques.
- Observe plant growth & function Monitor plant growth and adaptation to environmental factors. You’ll analyze plant responses using knowledge of environmental science.
- Examine historical ecosystem data Analyze historical ecosystem data to assess biodiversity changes. You’ll use soil science and data analysis to track environmental impacts.
- Test & analyze plant health Test plant properties for use in agriculture or medicine. You’ll apply lab techniques, chemistry, and plant genetics for analysis.
Education
Minimum qualification: Master’s degree
Most common program: Biology
Botanist - Biology
A mindmap-style diagram shows both typical and alternative pathways to enter into this role. It maps out different education and career steps, with routes that intersect. Select each step in the diagram to learn more.
Salary
- Entry level: 55000
- Mid level: 62000
- Senior level: 70000
Job outlook
Job openings: 3100
Demand: Steady growth
- Consumers are choosing natural over synthetic ingredients, driving botanical growth. (Natural products are preferred by 60% of consumers for health benefits.)
- The need for clean labels boosts demand for plant-based ingredients in products. (70% of consumers now seek transparency in ingredient sourcing.)
- Botanical supplements and functional beverages are surging in popularity worldwide. (Functional beverages have grown by 8% annually, led by botanical ingredients.)
Quote
While some botanists do focus on those well-known plants, many of us study wild plants—many of which most people have never heard of! There's a whole world of plant diversity out there, and a big part of botany involves exploring and understanding that diversity in natural ecosystems.
Josh Felton, PhD student
Read Josh's story
Josh is an evolutionary biologist studying how different reproductive strategies in bromeliads—a family of tropical plants—affect population dynamics and contribute to the incredible diversity of plant forms seen today. By examining how these plants reproduce, he aims to show how reproductive biology shapes large-scale patterns in plant evolution. In addition to his research, Josh is an active member of the Botanical Society of America.
Related careers
Sources
, Montgomery, B. (2021). Lessons from plants. Harvard University Press. , Cerritos College. (2023). Programs and clusters: Biology pathway. , Food Insight. (2024). Food Insight. , Glassdoor. (2024, June 6). Botanist salary in the United States. , Indeed. (2024, August 18). How to become a botanist. , Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (2024). Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. , SPINS. (2024). SPINS. , University of Georgia. (2023). Introducing Dr. Tanisha Williams: New director of the University of Georgia Herbarium. , University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2024). Major requirements: Undergraduate program. , University of Massachusetts Boston. (2024). Biology MS program.