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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeModerate pressure

What they 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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $76,780 Median per year · $36.91/hr Most earn $49,100–$126,440

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • 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.
  • Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
  • Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
  • Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
  • Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.

Job outlook

United States
4% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 1,400 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • State government, excluding education and hospitals40.7%
  • Federal government, excluding postal service19.5%
  • Management, scientific, and technical consulting services10.3%
  • Social advocacy organizations6.9%
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals5.5%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Zoologist and wildlife biologist is not usually an entry-level job. Most people earn a bachelor's degree, then spend about 2 to 4 years in field or research technician work before landing this role, so expect roughly 6 to 8 years from starting college.

  1. Bachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife biology, biology, or ecology

    4 years

    You learn animal biology, ecology, genetics, and statistics, which form the base for every wildlife research job.

  2. Wildlife Technician or Field Technician

    2-4 years

    You collect field data such as animal counts, tracking, habitat surveys, and sample handling under a senior biologist, building the hands-on experience employers look for.

  3. Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist

    Ongoing

    You design studies, collect and analyze data on animal populations and habitats, and report findings that guide land and wildlife management decisions.

Where it can lead

  1. Biologist

    4-6 years of experience first

    Biologists usually hold a master's degree and lead broader research projects, often across several species or ecosystems, which typically requires a graduate degree and several years of experience.

  2. Conservation Scientist

    1-2 years of experience first

    Conservation scientists focus on managing land and natural resources for long-term health, shifting your work from studying animals to planning how land is used and protected.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, chemistry, and mathStrong science and math classes prepare you for a college wildlife or zoology major and its required courses.
  • Volunteer at a nature center, zoo, or animal rescueHands-on animal care and public programs build experience with wildlife and show colleges your commitment.
  • Join a science, environmental, or 4-H clubClubs give you chances to do projects, learn field methods, and meet people who share your interest in animals.
  • Get a summer or part-time job outdoorsJobs like camp counselor, park aide, or trail crew teach you outdoor skills and reliability, which matter in field work.
  • Keep a nature journal or observation logRecording animals and plants you see teaches careful observation and data recording, the core habits of field biology.

In college

  • Major in wildlife biology, zoology, or ecologyA focused major covers animal behavior, population ecology, and genetics, which are the core topics of this career.
  • Take statistics and a GIS or data analysis courseAnalyzing field data and mapping habitats are everyday tasks for wildlife biologists, and these skills are highly valued.
  • Seek seasonal field technician or research assistant workPaid or volunteer field jobs with a professor, wildlife agency, or nonprofit build the 2 to 4 years of experience this career usually requires.
  • Join a wildlife or biology student clubStudent chapters of wildlife societies offer field trips, guest speakers, and networking with professionals.
  • Present or publish undergraduate researchPresenting a project at a campus research day or student conference shows you can design a study and communicate results.

Tips for getting started

  • Get outdoor experience early. Field skills such as tracking, identifying species, and working in all weather are often as important to employers as grades.
  • Learn basic statistics and data tools like spreadsheets or R. Most wildlife studies depend on analyzing data, and this skill helps you stand out.
  • Talk to working wildlife biologists. Ask what their days look like and what they wish they had known, which can help you choose classes and experiences.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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