Will AI replace biologists?
Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Biologists score 49 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #269 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 18 of the job's 22 tasks, 4 of them on its own, while 4 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.
Which biologists tasks can AI do?
The most exposed tasks include "Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data"; "Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public"; "Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work".
Which biologists tasks are hardest for AI?
Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings"; "Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists"; "Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences".
Are people already using AI for this work?
Yes. In April–May 2026, 5 of the 22 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.
How many people work as biologists, and what do they earn?
About 55,850 people in the US (figure for Biological Scientists, All Other), with median pay of $98,920 a year (BLS, May 2025).