Cell Biologyat University of California-Davis
Graduates earn $37,952/yr in their first year — about 1.0% above the national Cell Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $670K; scenarios range from $591K to $681K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Davis
Your UC Davis degree in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences offers a rigorous foundation, leveraging the university's strong reputation in life sciences. This program is a common launchpad, often preparing you for advanced study in medical school, graduate research, or specialized fields like bioinformatics. The initial earnings reflect that many graduates pursue further education or enter foundational lab roles as research assistants or technicians, especially in the vibrant biotech and pharmaceutical sectors of California's Central Valley and Bay Area.
To achieve the higher earning potentials shown, you'll likely need to specialize or pursue advanced degrees. The reported AI risk suggests that roles involving repetitive lab tasks or data analysis might evolve, requiring you to develop strong analytical and computational skills to complement your biological expertise. Proactively seek out research opportunities and internships during your undergraduate years to gain practical experience and clarify your post-graduation path.
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 UC Davis'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 UC Davis stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Davis
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Davis, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Cell Biology at UC Davis
What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cell Biology at University of California-Davis?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cell Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Cell Biology at University of California-Davis?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.