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Biologist, Cytogeneticist, Geneticist (Bioinformation / Clinical / Developmental / Medical / Molecular / Population / Quantitative), Molecular 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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Genetics is increasingly being applied in all fields of biology. Geneticists often work with scientists outside the life sciences. Research geneticists specialize in a wide range of areas including:
Some geneticists are involved in developing and improving industrial processes, such as producing drugs including antibiotics and vaccines. For more information, see the Biotechnologist occupational profile.
Medical geneticists (physicians) study the causes, prevention, and treatment of human conditions with genetic causes. They are directly involved in patient care.
Genetic counsellors (M.Sc.) gather and analyze family history and inheritance patterns, calculate risks of disorders recurring, and provide information about genetic testing and related procedures. They offer support to families who are affected by or at risk of a genetic disorder.
Other geneticists may be involved in field biology or laboratory research on microbes, plants, or animals. This usually involves working at a laboratory bench. It can also involve field collections, mathematical models, or computer simulations.
Geneticists most often work in a laboratory. They often work with hazardous substances such as chemicals and radioactive materials. They must know and use safety procedures. During laboratory experiments, controlled environments are the norm.
Because experiments and tests must often be monitored, evening and weekend work is common. Geneticists spend a lot of time analyzing data and writing reports.
Medical geneticists are physicians who typically work in university medical centres or hospitals.
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 study the effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins
Interest in precision working with instruments to conduct clinical and laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs and pharmaceuticals, and to conduct molecular and biochemical studies and experiments into genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to the development of new practices and products at the cellular and molecular level; 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.
Geneticists need:
Depending on their field of study, some geneticists work with animals (invertebrate or vertebrate model systems). Studies with plants and some animals may involve working in the field.
All geneticists should enjoy organizing and synthesizing information and finding innovative solutions to problems. They should be comfortable using sophisticated instruments and equipment to do precision tasks. Geneticists should be at ease supervising the work of others and following the direction of superiors.
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 38 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Oct 11, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 23 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 21 |
| Attention to detail | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 21 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 18 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 17 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 17 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 17 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 16 |
| Health benefits: Paramedical services coverage | 14 |
Geneticists must have an advanced degree in genetics or a related biological field, such as evolution, microbiology, or biochemistry. They need to have knowledge in and an aptitude for biochemistry.
Most geneticists begin their studies in a 4-year bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree program in a biological science. They may then go on to complete a master of science (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree in genetics. However, some go on to a medical doctor (MD) degree, followed by specialty training and further study in a genetics program.
Graduates of B.Sc. genetics programs often enter the field as genetics technicians. Graduates of M.Sc. programs can step into high-level technical positions. A PhD is the best route to working as an independent researcher in a university or company, or teaching at the university level.
All geneticists need to follow the latest research to keep up with new developments and discoveries in a rapidly advancing field.
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.
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
Geneticists work for:
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 short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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: 2023-2025 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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about salary ranges for university professors, see the University Professor occupational profile.
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $91,023 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,887 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,349 |
| Public Administration | $97,896 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists website: www.aspb.ab.ca
Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors website: www.cagc-accg.ca
Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences website: csmb-scbm.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada website: www.royalcollege.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.
