How to become a Zoologist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour and environments of animals.
Main tasks
- Studies animal characteristics, development, physiology, behaviour and movement patterns in controlled and/or natural habitats
- Studies the impact of human activity on animal life
- Collects, analyses and records animal specimens
- Assesses and manages wildlife populations and their habitat
- Studies living and extinct animals in order to understand their evolution and behaviour
- Researches any possible threats from disease and pollution in the animal life and their habitat
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $80,288 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 12,600 are projected by 2035. (+19.8%)
- 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.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Zoologist?
Ways in include: Science degrees.
How much does a Zoologist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $80,288 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Zoologist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 12,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Zoologist?
Usually. 86% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Zoologist?
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
Updated 2026-10-04