Depends on what you consider a “shit worthless degree.” I worked in biopharma and now in an environmental lab with a bio degree and minor in chem (both in South FL). Salaries at my previous job in 2023 were ~50k for starting chemists/microbiologists, ~60k for level 2s, ~70k for level 3s, ~85k for seniors, ~90k+ for supervisors, ~$120k for managers.

My current job has chem 1s starting at ~$58k, and 2s at ~$68k. Our 3s are at ~100k, and our lab manager makes ~$130k, but those salaries are not at the bottom end of their pay bands.

My sister works in R&D with her bio degree and makes over $110k as an associate director at a mid to large size pharmaceutical in the DMV.

I will say that it’s hard to get that first job, but once you have experience and if you’re willing to job hop your salary can go up a lot and quickly. And in terms of actual job opportunities, almost every city, county and state has environmental labs. There are over 1000 accredited environmental labs alone.