What Does it Take to Be a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist?
Career Description 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.
Daily Life Of a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- 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.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.
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What a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Should Know
When polled, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
- Limnologist
- Ethologist
- Field Naturalist
- Nematologist
- Entomologist
Is There Going to be Demand for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 19,400 jobs in the United States for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,900 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist are Indiana, Utah, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Alaska, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Salary
The average yearly salary of a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist ranges between $40,290 and $102,830.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists who work in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $57,600 |
Alaska | $76,640 |
Arizona | $62,950 |
California | $75,840 |
Colorado | $70,650 |
Connecticut | $78,830 |
District of Columbia | $109,420 |
Florida | $51,950 |
Georgia | $63,890 |
Hawaii | $73,660 |
Idaho | $69,430 |
Illinois | $57,920 |
Indiana | $65,180 |
Iowa | $68,670 |
Kansas | $53,550 |
Kentucky | $59,190 |
Louisiana | $68,590 |
Maine | $59,360 |
Maryland | $83,850 |
Massachusetts | $87,950 |
Michigan | $65,220 |
Minnesota | $61,220 |
Mississippi | $68,000 |
Missouri | $52,990 |
Montana | $66,770 |
Nebraska | $60,060 |
Nevada | $69,270 |
New Hampshire | $67,950 |
New Jersey | $66,700 |
New Mexico | $58,730 |
New York | $75,290 |
North Carolina | $59,760 |
North Dakota | $69,890 |
Ohio | $57,370 |
Oklahoma | $48,330 |
Oregon | $73,430 |
Pennsylvania | $68,570 |
Rhode Island | $70,600 |
South Carolina | $62,680 |
South Dakota | $53,810 |
Tennessee | $65,550 |
Texas | $66,150 |
Utah | $59,110 |
Vermont | $67,560 |
Virginia | $64,970 |
Washington | $75,400 |
Wisconsin | $59,090 |
Wyoming | $62,040 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Spreadsheet software
- SAS
- R
- Geographic information system GIS software
- ESRI ArcView
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Statistical software
- Corel WordPerfect
How do I Become a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist?
What education is needed to be a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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