Average Salary: $79,000

Expected Lifetime Earnings: $3,298,092

For a highly-trained scientist in a generally hazardous job, the money isn't all that great. The median salary for a toxicologist is only about $80,000 (source). We know it sounds like a lot, especially if you've been working as a barista to help get you through all those degrees, but trust us on this. Considering the skills you need and the risks you take, $80,000 is a bit on the low end.

However, like most careers, this one gives you opportunities to advance. The longer you hash it out in the lab, hospital, or government research facility, the better your pay will be. 

Toxicologists who've been at it for five to ten years average $90,000, and as their experience increases, their salaries start to rise into the low six-figures (source). Again, that may sound like a big chunk of change—and it is—but there are plenty of other careers out there with similar compensation and lower health risks.

 

Goggles are still probably a good idea. If they were good enough for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, they're good enough for you. (Source)

At least toxicologists tend to have both medical and dental coverage, and more than half have vision coverage as well (source). Good thing for you—in this line of work, you may need it.

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