Cell Biologyat San Francisco State University
Graduates earn $40,794/yr in their first year — about 9.0% above the national Cell Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $704K; scenarios range from $615K to $717K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at SF State
Your outcomes in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences from San Francisco State are significantly shaped by its prime location. The Bay Area's unparalleled concentration of biotechnology firms, research institutions like UCSF and Stanford, and pharmaceutical companies creates a deep and competitive talent pool. This environment provides excellent opportunities for graduates to enter roles in R&D labs, clinical research, or even move into specialized sales or technical support within the life sciences industry. Many will start in lab technician or research assistant roles, gaining critical hands-on experience that paves the way for advanced positions or further study. While some routine lab tasks may see increased automation, your human analytical and problem-solving skills remain invaluable. To capitalize on this vibrant ecosystem, actively seek internships and networking opportunities throughout your degree; they are your most direct pipeline to these local employers.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to SF State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Cell Biology
How SF State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at SF State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at SF State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Cell Biology at SF State
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cell Biology at San Francisco State University?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Cell Biology field.
Will AI replace Cell Biology careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $615,188 in decade earnings vs $717,286 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.