Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
SOC code 19-1023 · O*NET-SOC 19-1023.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$76,780
a year
Hourly
$36.91
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$83,020
$39.91 per hour
Middle 50%
$61,180 – $96,100
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$49,100 – $126,440
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
18,120
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $49,100
- $23.61/hr
- 25th percentile
- $61,180
- $29.41/hr
- Median percentile
- $76,780
- $36.91/hr
- 75th percentile
- $96,100
- $46.20/hr
- 90th percentile
- $126,440
- $60.79/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+2%
Growing about as fast as average
18,200
jobs in 2024
18,500
projected for 2034
About 300 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Conduct literature reviews.
How to qualify for this work
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a zoologists and wildlife biologists earn?
The national median is $76,780 a year. The full range runs from $49,100 at the 10th percentile to $126,440 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a zoologists and wildlife biologists without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is zoologists and wildlife biologists in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Science4.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Biology4.7/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Geography3.8/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- Law and Government3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
- Computers and Electronics3.0/5
- Administrative2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.