Salary Range for Virology
Viruses are some of the smallest, most remarkable life forms on Earth. Virologists deal with virus-caused diseases, a category ranging from the common cold to COVID-19 and Ebola. Most virologists acquire a doctor of medicine degree before launching their career, but Purdue University says a bachelor's degree may be enough virologist education for entry-level work.
The virologist salary range is $98,757 to $127,484, affected by education and experience. Education is important: teaching or doing independent research requires a medical or scientific doctoral degree.
The Royal College of Pathologists says virologists are virus experts who function as scientists, doctors or both. On the medical side, they diagnose, manage and prevent viral infections. On the science side, they research viruses – where they come from, how they spread and how to stop them. Some virologists specialize in medicine or science, while others straddle the two overlapping worlds.
Among the things you may be called on to do in a virology career:
- Diagnose infections.
- Investigate the effect of antiviral drugs on viruses and patients.
- Study how viruses adapt to become drug-resistant.
- Consult with hospitals, other medical professionals and health officials.
- Advise doctors on the proper prescription and use of antiviral drugs.
- Work on patient care, especially people with persistent viral infections.
Purdue University says viral research may include pathology, oncology – some viruses cause cancer – emerging viruses, therapy, virus/cell interactions and plant viruses. As the coronavirus pandemic demonstrated, viruses are a serious public health problem, so the need for research is high.
Virologist Education Requirements
Virology is a specialty within the world of microbiology, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics says. At a minimum, you can get an entry-level research gig with a bachelor's degree. If you want to do independent research or teach at the university level, potential employers will want to see virology education that includes a Ph.D. If you want to treat patients and work with hospitals, you'll need an M.D.
The minimum virologist education for working in the field is four years of college. That should include not only virology classes but biochemistry, chemistry and microbiology. Statistics, math and computer science are valuable because research often requires complex data analysis. Lab experience is a must, whether at school or through an internship.
To do serious research requires a Ph.D. Working in medicine requires completing medical school and getting your license. Better Team says a typical job opening for a virologist asks for:
- An M.D. or Ph.D. with training in virology, molecular virology, viral oncology or immunology.
- Three to five years postdoctoral research experience.
- Experience using laboratory equipment and tools, as well as the relevant medical software.
- A track record of working with large volumes of data.
- The ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines.
- Good problem-solving skills and an eye for detail.
- First-rate verbal and written communication skills.
Virologists may work in research or teaching, or split their time between the two. They may be employed in academia, in government research, at a hospital or by pharmaceutical companies. BLS says most people working in microbiology or microbiological specialties work for drug companies or research firms. Some virologists work as science writers or acquire the business skills to work in drug-company management.
Salary says the average virologist salary is $115,843. The virologist salary range is $98,757 to $127,484. Your virologist education, experience and your choice of employer all affect where you land within that range.
Fraser Sherman has written about every aspect of working life: the importance of professional ethics, the challenges of business communication, workers' rights and how to cope with bullying bosses. He lives in Durham NC with his awesome wife and two wonderful dogs. You can find him online at frasersherman.com