the average salary level of workers in theBiologists and Related Scientists occupational group is $56,406 per year.Ichthyologist Salary United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for workers in the Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists occupational group is $57,430 per year. The lowest 10 percent of salaries in this occupational group are less than $35,660, and the top 10 percent are more than$93,450 per year.Skills Required to Become an IchthyologistIn order to become an effective ichthyologist, youll need a certain set of skills, knowledge and competencies in addition to a natural interest and appreciation for fish and wildlife. Some of these skills you will acquire on the job, others you will learn during your undergraduate and graduate years, and some you are born with.Patience: Ichthyologists need to have patience in their work activities; compiling data, analyzing the data, and preparing well articulated scientific reports can take time, and be very frustrating.Communication Skills: Being able to properly communicate findings to other professionals in the field of Ichthyology is arguably the most important task an ichthyologist has, aside from the research itself.Organization: Sometimes the daily tasks of ichthyologists can be overwhelming; it is important to stay organized and have work prioritized.Computer Skills: Being proficient in the use of computers is very important for ichthyologists, as they must use them for keeping track of data and communicating with other ichthyologists and professionals in their field.Stamina: The work of ichthyologists can be very demanding, and they must be able to remain focused and have the ability to pay attention to details after working for several hours. The work of ichthyologists can also be physically demanding when they are in the field, observing fish in their natural habitat and collecting biological samples.Getting Ichthyologist Work Experience as a StudentAs many jobs in biology, zoology and ichthyology are highly competitive, it is extremely important to acquire practical experience during your undergraduate and graduate years.Most university departments offer a number of summer job opportunities for research assistants. There may also be similar openings for summer students in government agencies and private industry. Be sure to ask your schools career resources counselor to give you information about any such opportunities.These opportunities not only provide you with valuable work experience, they allow you to network and get your foot in the door with an organization in your field. This will be extremely useful when you apply for graduate school or a permanent job.Careers Similar to IchthyologistListed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature to Ichthyologist, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities. Herpetologist Mammalogist Mycologist Wildlife Biologist Zoologist OrnithologistReferences: How to Become an IchthyologistPlease use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as an ichthyologist.Alberta Learning and Information Service website: alis.alberta.caFlorida Museum of Natural History website: www.flmnh.ufl.eduService Canada website: www.servicecanada.gc.caUnited States Bureau of Labor Statistics website: www.bls.govScholarships for Becoming an IchthyologistScholarships in Canada and the United States listed for majors that apply to becoming an Ichthyologist can be found on our