Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects. PayThe median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $76,780 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for zoologists and wildlife biologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $76,780 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for zoologists and wildlife biologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for zoologists and wildlife biologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.
Work Environment
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they also may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.
Pay
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $76,780 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 1,400 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they also may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.
Pay
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $76,780 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 1,400 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.