How to become an Ecologist
Studies the relationships between living organisms and the environment around them, and develops plans for the restoration, preservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
Main tasks
- Studies interactions such as competition, cooperation and predation between species
- Investigates local and global ecosystems, including how species respond to environmental challenges and climate change
- Develops, plans and conducts field research and ecological monitoring surveys
- Utilises remote sensing and modelling to track ecosystems and predict the impact of biodiversity shifts in natural systems
- Researches how changes in habitat connectivity and patterns of natural and human disturbance impact species and biodiversity over time
- Provides advice on ecological restoration practices to repair ecosystems that have been degraded or damaged through natural processes or activities such as agriculture, construction, forestry and mining
- Plans, conducts and monitors reintroductions of locally extinct species
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS40222)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $101,556 a year
- About 31,500 people work in this job group now, and about 36,800 are projected by 2035. (+16.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Ecologist?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology.
How much does an Ecologist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $101,556 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Ecologist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 31,500 to about 36,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Ecologist?
Usually. 93% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of an Ecologist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04