Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists fall under the Life, Physical, and Social Science category in the U.S. occupational classification. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists earn a median salary of $72,860 per year, ranking in the top 31% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.6% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do zoologists and wildlife biologists earn?

The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists is $72,860. That puts zoologists and wildlife biologists at #250 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is zoologists and wildlife biologists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for zoologists and wildlife biologists is +1.6%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 18K positions in 2024 to 18K in 2034, a net change of 0K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do zoologists and wildlife biologists do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working zoologists and wildlife biologists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
2. 2.Conduct literature reviews.
3. 3.Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
4. 4.Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
5. 5.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.
6. 6.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.
7. 7.Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
8. 8.Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.

Top skills for zoologists and wildlife biologists

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become zoologists and wildlife biologist?

The standard path into zoologists and wildlife biologists begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

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Common questions parents ask about zoologists and wildlife biologists