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Biological Scientist, Insect Biologist, Invertebrate Biologist, 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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and to prepare reports, and to develop new practices in biological research
Interest in precision working with instruments and equipment to conduct experiments in plant and animal growth, heredity and breeding
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to biological processes and research and the development of new products; may supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Entomologists investigate the biology, roles and management of:
Responsibilities vary from one position to another. But in general, entomologists study insect physiology, ecology, distribution, and habitat and recommend ways to prevent the importation and spread of harmful insects. They also:
Entomologists usually specialize in particular 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 collaborate 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 put in more than a standard 40-hour week and may work weekends, particularly if they are doing research. They may travel a lot to attend conferences.
Entomologists carry out investigations in laboratories, greenhouses, fields and controlled-environment chambers. They may spend considerable 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 and toxic chemicals.
Entomologists need:
Entomologists should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2011 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 11 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Sep 26, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 7 |
|---|---|
| Teleworking Information: Remote work available | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 6 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Excel | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS PowerPoint | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Word | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Outlook | 5 |
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 (PhD) 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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Biologists study living organisms and apply their scientific knowledge in various fields.
Professional Biologist is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. This means that to call yourself a Professional Biologist, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). At present, you can call yourself a "biologist" if you are not a registered member of ASPB.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Biologist.
Entomologists are employed by government departments, post-secondary schools, environmental consulting companies and museums. For example, entomologists employed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency work to prevent the spread of invasive invertebrates. Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing companies and large pest control companies hire entomologists to do research and demonstrate new products for people in the agriculture, forestry, and medical communities. Some entomologists are independent consultants who offer insect identification services, advise clients on insect control or carry out environmental impact assessments.
Many students work in post-secondary schools or government research centres as research assistants while completing their undergraduate degree. Graduates of bachelor’s degree programs may be hired for technical positions in research programs or work in government jobs, such as forest health survey coordinator. They also find work in customer service in pest control companies or as juniors in environmental consulting companies. Those with a PhD may do independent research, administrative work or teach at the post-secondary level.
Entomologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2121: Biologists and related scientists. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Entomologists’ salaries vary considerably depending on their qualifications and research responsibilities.
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.
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 [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $22.00 | $55.00 | $34.71 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $24.00 | $70.91 | $46.17 | $46.86 |
| Top | $26.00 | $101.09 | $60.62 | $58.00 |
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
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,349 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $97,896 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $91,023 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,887 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists website: www.aspb.ab.ca
Entomological Society of Alberta website: www.entsocalberta.ca
Entomological Society of Canada website: esc-sec.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.