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: Aquarist, Aquatic Biologist, Conservation Biologist, Cryptozoologist, Dolphin Researcher, Ethologist
Median pay
$76,780
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$49,100 – $126,440
People employed
18,120
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 5.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 6.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (46 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What zoologists and wildlife biologists do
- 01Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- 02Disseminate 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.
- 03Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- 04Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- 05Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- 06Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Science
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from zoologists and wildlife biologists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health89% · +7%
- Environmental Restoration Planners86% · group pay
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers82% · +33%
- Hydrologists77% · +26%
- Geographers76% · +33%
Change into zoologists and wildlife biologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Environmental Restoration Planners82% · $82,220
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health82% · $82,220
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health74% · $55,090
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers73% · $141,900
- Environmental Economists70% · $124,720
Majors that lead here
- Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Entomology
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Behavior and Ethology
- Wildlife Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology, Other
- Ecology
- Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
- Evolutionary Biology
- Environmental Biology
- Marine Sciences
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.