Zoologists and wildlife biologists
SOC Code: 19-1023Also known as:
Animal Behaviorist, Animal Biologist, Aquatic Biologist, Behaviorist, Conservation Biologist
Median Annual Salary
$72,860
+1.6% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
18K
Current Jobs
What Zoologists and wildlife biologists Do
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
💰 Salary
$72,860
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
18,200
Projected Employment (2034)
18,500
Related Careers
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330 •
+1.2% growth
Conservation scientists
$67,950 •
+3.4% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Fish and game wardens
$68,180 •
-6.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Conduct literature reviews.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Zoologists and wildlife biologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a zoologists and wildlife biologists:
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
2,419 degrees awarded •
83 colleges offer this program
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
2,375 degrees awarded •
84 colleges offer this program
Zoology/Animal Biology
1,913 degrees awarded •
46 colleges offer this program
Ecology
1,201 degrees awarded •
67 colleges offer this program
Wildlife Biology
576 degrees awarded •
26 colleges offer this program
Marine Sciences
482 degrees awarded •
33 colleges offer this program
Entomology
452 degrees awarded •
32 colleges offer this program
Environmental Biology
449 degrees awarded •
53 colleges offer this program
Animal Behavior and Ethology
267 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Evolutionary Biology
176 degrees awarded •
13 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become zoologists and wildlife biologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make?
The median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists is $72,860.
What education do zoologists and wildlife biologists need?
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management, Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography, Zoology/Animal Biology.
Is becoming zoologists and wildlife biologists a good career choice?
Zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to see +1.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for zoologists and wildlife biologists?
Top colleges for aspiring zoologists and wildlife biologists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of California-San Diego, Harvard University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to zoologists and wildlife biologists?
Zoologists and wildlife biologists may also be known as: Animal Behaviorist, Animal Biologist, Aquatic Biologist, Behaviorist, Conservation Biologist, Cryptozoologist, Dolphin Researcher, Entomologist, Ethologist, Field Naturalist, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fish Biologist, Fish Conservationist, Fish Culturist, Fish Technologist, Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist, Fisheries Biologist, Fisheries Management Biologist, Fishery Biologist, Forest Wildlife Biologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.