Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.
Is zoologists and wildlife biologists a good career?
It scores 16/100 and ranks #467 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($76,780 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+1.6%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What zoologists and wildlife biologists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. zoologists and wildlife biologists earn between $61,180 and $96,100 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live zoologists and wildlife biologists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Students may pursue a degree in zoology, wildlife biology, or a related field, such as natural resources. Some students major in biology and take coursework in zoology and wildlife biology.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need at least a master’s degree for higher level positions and a Ph.D. for independent research positions.
Coursework in undergraduate and graduate-level science programs often includes academic, laboratory, and field work. In addition, students may need to take mathematics and statistics to learn data analysis.
Zoology and wildlife biology students may gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or other employment during college.
Advancement
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically take on greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience or have more education. For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists with a Ph.D. may lead independent research and control the direction and content of projects.
Important qualities
Attention to detail. Zoologists and wildlife biologists must be able to notice changes in an animal’s behavior or appearance.
Communication skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists write about and present their research to the public, policymakers, and academic audiences.
Critical-thinking skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists need sound reasoning and judgment to draw conclusions from their experiments and observations.
Interpersonal skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically work on teams and must be able to work effectively with others.
Outdoor skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to navigate rough terrain, carry heavy equipment for long distances, or perform other activities associated with living in remote areas.
Problem-solving skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find solutions to wildlife threats, such as disease and habitat loss.
Related occupations
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make?
The national median wage is $76,780 a year, with the middle half earning between $61,180 and $96,100 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is zoologists and wildlife biologists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 16 of 100 and ranks #467 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +1.6% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a zoologists and wildlife biologist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do zoologists and wildlife biologists earn the most?
Among states, Maryland pays the highest median ($107,500). Local pay for every state and metro is below.