How much does a zoologists and wildlife biologist make?

The median pay is $36.91 per hour — roughly $77,000 a year, with the real range running from about $23.61/hr (10th percentile) to $60.79/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a zoologists and wildlife biologist?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a zoologists and wildlife biologist actually do all day?

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.

Science

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.

What it pays
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists earn a median of $36.91/hr — about $77,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $23.61/hr; the top 10% earn $60.79/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.5% of zoologists and wildlife biologists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a zoologists and wildlife biologist make?: The median pay is $36.91 per hour — roughly $77,000 a year, with the real range running from about $23.61/hr (10th percentile) to $60.79/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a zoologists and wildlife biologist?: The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
What does a zoologists and wildlife biologist actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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