Entomologist Salary

An entomologist is a scientist who is focused on the study of insects. There are a wide variety of tasks that an entomologist can perform. A lot of the work of an entomologist is done in a lab, but an entomologist may do fieldwork, in order to capture insects and observe them in their natural habitats. This may cause the entomologist to be exposed to uncomfortable environments and harsh weather conditions.

An entomologist may do a combination of fieldwork, testing, and research. The study of insects is performed to further knowledge about insect behavior, population, interaction, and classification. Applications of insects for human use in agriculture and health applications may also be explored. Learning more about insects can aid in developing methods of pest control, which can be useful for farmers, as well as the human population in general. Entomologists can also make contributions to knowledge about human allergies and ailments acquired from certain insects. The scientific method and other protocol must be applied to the work an entomologist does, in order to ensure the validity of results.

Interpersonal skills will come in handy, in order to be able to interact with other scientists and to collaborate on work. Also, some entomologist positions require working with the public and educating them about insect information. Some positions require a master’s degree in entomology or a similar field. Some positions often also require a PhD in a relevant field. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Entomologist Tasks

• Identify, research, and study insects, arachnids, and insect pests.
• Create taxonomic insect guides.
• Research and assess insect-related disease and infestation risks.
• Interpret data and communicate findings to staff as necessary.
• Perform field tests and site evaluation to identify insect's environmental impact and repercussions.