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.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
SOC: 19-1023 O*NET: 19-1023.00
Median Salary
$72,860
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.6%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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 does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$48,240
10th percentile
Early Career
$58,360
25th percentile
Median
$72,860
50th percentile
Experienced
$90,590
75th percentile
Top Earners
$113,350
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$48,240
25th
$58,360
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$72,860
Mean: $77,920
75th
$90,590
90th
$113,350
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $65,110 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $58,360 and $90,590
- •Salary spread is 44.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 16,920 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:18,200
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services15.1%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services15.1%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services9.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.6%
Annual Openings:1,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)18,200
Current
2034 (Projected)18,500
+1.6%
+300
Employment Change
+1.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
Washington
1,800 jobs$82,0504.64x
California
1,580 jobs$82,6200.80x
Florida
1,210 jobs$51,4201.13x
Oregon
970 jobs$85,1504.49x
Colorado
780 jobs$77,3202.47x
Alaska
690 jobs$84,64019.48x
Texas
550 jobs$50,6100.36x
Minnesota
490 jobs$70,5101.52x
Arizona
410 jobs$70,3701.16x
Wyoming
400 jobs$74,06013.07x
Wisconsin
400 jobs$65,9601.23x
Virginia
370 jobs$66,5500.82x
Montana
370 jobs$64,0606.54x
Utah
350 jobs$69,9901.87x
North Carolina
350 jobs$61,9300.65x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Complex Problem Solving
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Judgment and Decision Making
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Science
60%
#8
Writing
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Active Learning
40%
Skills Overview
Complex Problem Solving
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Science
intermediate3.0
60%
Writing
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Writing
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Biochemists and Biophysicists82%
5 shared skills
Molecular and Cellular Biologists82%
5 shared skills
Biological Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Science
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechR
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASP
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
Salesforce software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
ESRI ArcGIS software
Python
R
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (2)Planning & Development (5)General Responsibilities (5)Operations & Execution (1)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution85% perform90%
7
Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination79% perform86%
9
Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.48
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.43
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.36
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.31
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.29
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.16
Complete Work Styles Profile
Cooperation
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Initiative
4.4
Dependability
4.3
Attention to Detail
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Persistence
4.2
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Independence
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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