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Biological Scientist, Insect Biologist, Invertebrate Biologist, Invertebrate Zoologist, Research Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Entomologists investigate the biology, roles, and management of:
Responsibilities vary from one position to another. In general, entomologists study the physiology, behaviour, ecology, distribution, and habitat of insects and other terrestrial arthropods. They also:
Entomologists usually specialize in fields of study such as apiculture (bee husbandry), agriculture, or forest entomology. Some specialize in classification and evolution, insect ecology and physiology, or insecticide toxicology.
Entomologists often work with other scientists on projects. A team may work on developing crops resistant to insects or on combatting animal and plant diseases caused by arthropods that transmit infectious organisms. They may, for example, focus on mosquitoes spreading West Nile virus, bark beetles spreading Dutch elm disease fungus, or ticks carrying bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Entomologists may sometimes put in more than a standard 40-hour week and may work weekends. This is often the case if they are doing research. The timing of the work can be dictated by the insects’ activity rather than the calendar or clock. They may travel to get to research sites or attend conferences.
Entomologists carry out research in labs, controlled-environment chambers, greenhouses, and agricultural plots. They may spend a lot of time preparing and analyzing data. The work may be tedious.
Entomologists also do field research. Fieldwork can be strenuous and involve physical labour. It can mean living in a remote location for long periods. Safety is important when faced with hazards such as dangerous wildlife, rough terrain, or adverse weather conditions.
Entomologists play an important role in the safe handling of poisonous and allergenic insects and arthropods that carry disease-causing microbes and toxic chemicals.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Biologists
2023 OaSIS: 21110.01
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Entomologists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 44 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Oct 01, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 25 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 23 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 23 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 23 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 19 |
| Tasks: Monitor and compile research results | 17 |
| Construction Specialization: Time management | 16 |
| Tasks: Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia | 16 |
| Tasks: Perform administrative tasks | 15 |
The minimum academic requirement is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or agriculture. Research positions in universities, government, and industry usually call for a master’s (M.Sc.) or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required for this occupation. However, it is required for entomologists who are also professional biologists.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Biologists study living organisms and apply their scientific knowledge in various fields.
Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Professional Biologists Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) to use the Professional Biologist title or the P. Biol. and P Biol initials.
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Professional Biologist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Biologist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Entomologists work for:
Entomologists who work for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency try to prevent the spread of invasive invertebrates in food. Those who work for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada try to control insect damage to crops.
Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing companies and large pest control companies hire entomologists to do research. In this role, they demonstrate new products to control insects in agriculture, forestry, and medicine.
Some entomologists work as independent consultants. They offer insect identification services, advise clients on insect control, or carry out environmental impact assessments.
Many students work in post-secondary schools or government departments as research assistants while completing their bachelor’s degree. Graduates of bachelor’s programs may obtain technical positions in research programs. They may work in government jobs, such as forest health survey coordinator. They also find work in customer service in pest control or environmental consulting companies.
Those with a PhD may do independent research, administrative work, or teach at the post-secondary level.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Biologists and related scientists
2016 NOC: 2121
79.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Entomologists’ salaries vary depending on their qualifications and research responsibilities.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.96 | $49.17 | $35.55 | $33.33 |
| Overall | $32.84 | $97.79 | $48.86 | $43.93 |
| Top | $34.89 | $103.14 | $55.18 | $51.52 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $94,886 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $103,991 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $99,792 |
| Public Administration | $101,511 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists website: www.aspb.ab.ca
Entomological Society of Alberta website: entsocalberta.ca
Entomological Society of Canada website: esc-sec.ca
Entomological Society of America website: entsoc.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 21, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
