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.
Median pay
$76,780
Growth to 2035
+4%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,400
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Zoologists and wildlife biologists: 48% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Conduct literature reviews.
Also called: Aquatic Biologist · Conservation Biologist · Fish and Wildlife Biologist · Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist · Fisheries Biologist · Habitat Biologist · Migratory Game Bird Biologist · Wildlife Biologist
Outlook and AI
Zoologists and wildlife biologists held 19,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 20,200 by 2035 (+4%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Biological scientists, all other
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Conservation scientist
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Fish and game wardens
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Soil and plant scientists
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Animal scientist
- Zoologists and wildlife biologists vs. Forester