Life Scientists

How to become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist

Official title: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Also called: Aquatic Biologist, Conservation Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist, Fisheries Biologist, Habitat Biologist, Migratory Game Bird Biologist, Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Refuge Specialist, Zoologist

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.

Main tasks

Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
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.
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.
Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
Conduct literature reviews.

How to become one

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions and may need a master's degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

College: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 26 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $76,780 a year The middle half earn $61,180 to $96,100.
About 19,500 people work in this job now, and about 20,200 are projected by 2035. (+3.6%)
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist?

How much does a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $76,780 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $61,180 to $96,100.

Is a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 19,500 to about 20,200 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist?

Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.