### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			zoologists and wildlife biologists imageZoologists and wildlife biologists often work outdoors in the field gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.							
						Quick Facts:     Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists2023     Median Pay
            						$70,600     per year
										$33.94     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    19,100Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    3% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    600What Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they also may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
            
                                                How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
                                                
                        
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $70,600 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow							 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Do 
            

			Zoologists and wildlife biologistsMarine biologists study fish and other wildlife that inhabit the oceans.			
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems. They focus primarily on undomesticated animals and their behavior, as well as on the impact humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
Duties
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically do the following:
Develop and conduct experimental studies with animals in controlled or natural surroundings
Collect and analyze specimens and other biological data
Study the characteristics of animals, such as their reproduction, interactions with other species, diseases, and movement patterns
Research, initiate, and maintain breeding programs that support game animals, endangered species, or other terrestrial or aquatic wildlife
Estimate, monitor, and manage wildlife populations and invasive species
Analyze how human activity influences wildlife and their natural habitats
Develop and implement programs to prevent harm to wildlife from human activities, including farming and aircraft operations
Write research papers, reports, and other documents that explain their findings
Present research findings to academics, policymakers, and the public
Develop conservation plans and recommend action related to wildlife conservation and managementZoologists’ and wildlife biologists’ study of animals includes conducting scientific tests and experiments, such as taking blood samples to assess an animal’s health, and researching their habitats. Although the roles of zoologists and wildlife biologists often overlap, zoologists typically research certain types of animals, such as birds, whereas wildlife biologists study specific ecosystems or animal populations, such as an at-risk species.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists use geographic information systems (GIS), modeling software, and other technology for a variety of purposes. For example, they may use technology to estimate wildlife populations, track animal movement, forecast the spread of invasive species or diseases, and assess potential threats to habitats.
Zoologists generally specialize in either vertebrates or invertebrates for an individual species. Following are some examples of specialization by species:
Cetologists study marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins.
Entomologists study insects, such as beetles and butterflies.
Herpetologists study reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes and frogs.
Ichthyologists study wild fish, such as sharks and lungfish.
Malacologists study mollusks, such as snails and clams.
Mammalogists study mammals, such as monkeys and bears.
Ornithologists study birds, such as hawks and penguins.
Teuthologists study cephalopods, such as octopuses and cuttlefish.Other zoologists and wildlife biologists specialize in a particular field of study, such as evolution or animal behavior. Following are some examples of specialization by field of study:
Anatomy is the study of structure of organisms and their parts.
Embryology is the study of the development of embryos and fetuses.
Ethology, sometimes called behavioral ecology, is the study of animal behaviors as natural or adaptive traits.
Histology, or microscopic anatomy, is the study of cells and tissues in plants and animals.
Physiology is the study of the normal function of living systems.
Soil zoology is the study of animals which live fully or partially in the soil.
Teratology is the study of abnormal physiological development.
Zoography is the study of descriptive zoology and describes plants and animals.Zoologists and wildlife biologists are often part of a team of scientists and technicians working on conservation efforts. For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists may work with environmental scientists and hydrologists to monitor water pollution and its effects on fish populations.
 Work Environment
			Zoologists and wildlife biologistsFieldwork can require zoologists and wildlife biologists to travel to remote locations anywhere in the world.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Zoologists and wildlife biologists held about 19,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of zoologists and wildlife biologists were as follows:
        Government
                65%Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
                8Social advocacy organizations
                7Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                5Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                4Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
Fieldwork may require zoologists and wildlife biologists to travel to remote locations for long periods. For example, cetologists studying whale populations may spend months at sea; herpetologists researching snakes may spend significant time in deserts or forests.
Fieldwork can be physically demanding, especially for zoologists and wildlife biologists whose research involves working outdoors in all types of weather.
Injuries and Illnesses
Some zoologists and wildlife biologists handle wild animals or spend significant time outdoors in difficult terrain or in extreme temperatures. To avoid injury or illness, they must use caution when handling wildlife or working under challenging circumstances.
Work Schedules
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may have irregular schedules, especially when doing fieldwork. Zoologists and wildlife biologists who work with nocturnal animals may need to work at night.
 How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist

			Zoologists and wildlife biologistsZoologists and wildlife biologists study specimens collected in the field.			
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.
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.
Other Experience
Some zoologists and wildlife biologists need outdoor skills to work in remote locations. For example, they may need to be comfortable driving a tractor, boat, or all-terrain vehicle (ATV); using a generator; or providing for themselves.
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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Zoologists and Wildlife BiologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Life scientists$88,620  Zoologists and wildlife biologists$70,600  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $70,600 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,590.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
                $74,980Government
                72,180Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                71,920Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                64,430Social advocacy organizations
                59,650Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may have irregular schedules, especially when doing fieldwork.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Zoologists and Wildlife BiologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Life scientists7%  Zoologists and wildlife biologists3%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow				 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, 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.
			Employment
	
			
Some zoologists and wildlife biologists are expected to be needed to help combat the loss of biodiversity caused by human activities, as well as to research climate-driven ecosystem changes. These workers also may be needed to develop and implement conservation plans to reduce threats to animals and protect natural resources. However, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists may be limited by budgetary constraints, as jobs and funding for these workers often come from state, federal, and local governments.
			

                        Employment projections data for     zoologists and wildlife biologists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Zoologists and wildlife biologists**
			19-1023
			19,100
			19,700
			3
			600
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Zoologists and wildlife biologists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of zoologists and wildlife biologists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Agricultural and Food Scientists**
            Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $76,400**Animal Care and Service Workers**
            Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $31,830**Biochemists and Biophysicists**
            Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $107,460**Biological Technicians**
            Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
            Bachelor's degree
            $51,430**Conservation Scientists and Foresters**
            Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
            Bachelor's degree
            $68,300**Environmental Scientists and Specialists**
            Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Microbiologists**
            Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.
            Bachelor's degree
            $85,470**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380**Veterinarians**
            Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $119,100
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about zoologists and wildlife biologists, visit
American Ornithological Society (AOS)
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH)
American Society of Mammalogists (ASM)
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
MarineBio
The Wildlife Society (TWS)
Zoological Association of America (ZAA)
For information about topics related to zoology and wildlife biology, visit
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
To find job openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
CareerOneStop
For a career video on zoologists and wildlife biologists, visit
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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