Biotechnology is an industry in which technology combined with biology is used to solve many issues in the scientific community that affect society as a whole.  A degree in biotechnology is a tool that will open many doors to many careers in research facilities. From medical research to agricultural research, there are nearly limitless avenues a student interested in biotechnology can take to pursue an ideal career. Biotechnology schools and programs typically focus on turning out graduates who are accomplished and capable researchers that can work as researchers, managers and lab technicians. The level of the career choice and the biotechnology salary depends upon the level of education and position.
There are several types of biotechnology programs or courses of study at most schools:

·    Certificate- certificates in the field of biotechnology do not require much in the way of prerequisites and take students about two years to complete. Upon completion of a biotechnology certificate program, graduates are qualified candidates for jobs as research technicians or lab technicians.

·    Associate's Degree- while this degree takes about the same amount of time as a certificate does, the program is typically more in-depth. An industry internship is necessary along with the completion of the coursework. The main focus of this program of study is research skills. This is a cornerstone skill for those in the biotechnology industry. Those who graduate with an Associate's degree in biotechnology are ready for entry level positions such as lab techs or lab assistants.

·    Bachelor's Degree- it is difficult to find a college or program that will issue a Bachelor's in biotechnology, in general. The idea is that at this level, biotechnology becomes more specialized and students will pursue a specialized degree in a closely related field such as chemistry or biology.

·    Master's Degree- a Bachelor's degree in a related field is necessary before a student can enroll in a Master's degree program in the biotechnology field. Those pursuing a Master's degree will often fill executive or management positions in companies that run the biotechnology industry.

Products that owe their very existence to the world of biotechnology abound on the local grocery shelves. From breakfast cereal and vitamins to canola oil and hard cheeses, most processed food items are products of biotechnology. The industry is a vast and ever growing one, which means good things in the realm of job opportunities and security.

Biotechnology salary possibilities are as vast as the job opportunities and specializations in the field.  Entry level positions can pay up to $30,000; this is typically about where such positions will top out. The middle income level biotechnology salary positions pay around $30,000 to $50,000 while upper middle can range up to $80,000. Those who obtain Master's degrees and Doctorates can command executive level positions that pay $80,000 and up, into six figures depending on the company and the position. This sum up of biotechnology salary ranges shows that biotech is a growing field with opportunities on every level, from entry level to executive.