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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Median Salary
70,600
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$43,780

10%

$70,600

Median

$94,290

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    57%

  • Master's degree

    39%

  • Post-doctoral training

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
  • Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Marine Sciences
  • Environmental Biology
  • Animal Behavior and Ethology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Entomology
  • Wildlife Biology
  • Ecology
  • Animal Physiology
  • Zoology/Animal Biology, Other

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Biology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Geography
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.