Entomology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Entomology is a specialized field dedicated to the comprehensive study of insects, exploring their biological diversity, ecological roles, and interactions with human systems. This program equips students with advanced knowledge of insect biology and behavior, preparing them to address complex challenges in agriculture, public health, environmental conservation, and pest management.
- Life cycles and development: Investigation into the stages insects undergo from egg to adult, including metamorphosis and developmental triggers.
- Morphology and anatomy: Detailed analysis of insect body structures, including external and internal systems, and their functional adaptations.
- Genetics and molecular biology: Study of insect heredity, gene expression, and genomic variation across species and populations.
- Physiology and biochemistry: Exploration of internal processes such as respiration, nutrition, reproduction, and hormonal regulation in insects.
- Ecology and behavior: Examination of insect interactions with ecosystems, including predator-prey dynamics, symbiotic relationships, and habitat preferences.
- Taxonomy and systematics: Classification of insect species based on evolutionary relationships, morphological traits, and molecular data.
- Population dynamics: Modeling and analysis of insect population growth, decline, and responses to environmental and anthropogenic factors.
- Environmental and economic impacts: Assessment of insects as both beneficial agents (e.g., pollinators) and pests (e.g., crop destroyers) in natural and managed systems.
- Insect toxicology: Evaluation of how insecticides and other chemicals affect insect physiology, with emphasis on safety and resistance development.
- Biochemical control strategies: Application of natural compounds and targeted biological agents to manage insect populations sustainably and effectively.
Entomology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Entomology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Entomology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 230,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 19-1023 | $72,860 | $48,240 - $113,350 | 16,920 | $35.03 |
Entomology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,850 in Oklahoma to $131,100 in California—a 75% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 230,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Entomology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 32 institutions offering Entomology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Entomology is found at University of Florida (UF) (81 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (57 graduates), University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln (29 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (22 graduates), and University of California (UCR), Riverside (19 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 452 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida (UF) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
81 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
57 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
29 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
22 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of California (UCR) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Riverside, California | Public | ucr.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
17 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Master's
|
5 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Clemson University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Master's
|
1 | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Montana State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
1 | Bozeman, Montana | Public | montana.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Entomology programs
How much can I earn with a Entomology degree?
Salaries for Entomology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $131,100 compared to $74,850 in Oklahoma. Approximately 230,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Entomology programs?
Currently 32 accredited institutions offer Entomology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Florida (UF) (81 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (57 graduates), and University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln (29 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Entomology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 346 in 2010 to 452 in 2023-24. This represents a 31% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Entomology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 230,750 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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