Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
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.
Also called: Aquatic Biologist · Conservation Biologist · Fish and Wildlife Biologist · Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist · Fisheries Biologist · Forest Wildlife Biologist
Median pay (national)
$72,860
$48,240–$113,350 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
16,920
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+1.6%
~1,400 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for zoologists and wildlife biologists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $113,350 versus $48,240 at the bottom 10% — 2.3x. The median of $72,860 leaves roughly 56% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +1.6% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 1,400 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 49 states with released data, Rhode Island pays the most for this role (median $97,050, +33% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $42,640 — a 128% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags ESRI ArcGIS software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Science
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- 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.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Conduct literature reviews.
Tools & technology
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Python
- R
- Salesforce software
- SAS
- Computer modeling software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database management software
- ESRI ArcView
- Geographic information system GIS software
Knowledge areas
- Biology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Geography
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media