Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems. They focus primarily on undomesticated animals and their behavior, as well as on the impact humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically do the following:
Zoologists’ and wildlife biologists’ study of animals includes conducting scientific tests and experiments, such as taking blood samples to assess an animal’s health, and researching their habitats. Although the roles of zoologists and wildlife biologists often overlap, zoologists typically research certain types of animals, such as birds, whereas wildlife biologists study specific ecosystems or animal populations, such as an at-risk species.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists use geographic information systems (GIS), modeling software, and other technology for a variety of purposes. For example, they may use technology to estimate wildlife populations, track animal movement, forecast the spread of invasive species or diseases, and assess potential threats to habitats.
Zoologists generally specialize in either vertebrates or invertebrates for an individual species. Following are some examples of specialization by species:
Other zoologists and wildlife biologists specialize in a particular field of study, such as evolution or animal behavior. Following are some examples of specialization by field of study:
Zoologists and wildlife biologists are often part of a team of scientists and technicians working on conservation efforts. For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists may work with environmental scientists and hydrologists to monitor water pollution and its effects on fish populations.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists held about 17,100 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of zoologists and wildlife biologists were as follows:
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 43% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 24 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 6 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 5 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 4 |
Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
Fieldwork may require zoologists and wildlife biologists to travel to remote locations for long periods. For example, cetologists studying whale populations may spend months at sea; herpetologists researching snakes may spend significant time in deserts or forests.
Fieldwork can be physically demanding, especially for zoologists and wildlife biologists whose research involves working outdoors in all types of weather.
Some zoologists and wildlife biologists handle wild animals or spend significant time outdoors in difficult terrain or in extreme temperatures. To avoid injury or illness, they must use caution when handling wildlife or working under challenging circumstances.
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may have irregular schedules, especially when doing fieldwork. Zoologists and wildlife biologists who work with nocturnal animals may need to work at night.
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.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Students may pursue a degree in zoology, wildlife biology, or a related field, such as natural resources. Some students major in biology and take coursework in zoology and wildlife biology.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need at least a master’s degree for higher level positions and a Ph.D. for independent research positions.
Coursework in undergraduate and graduate-level science programs often includes academic, laboratory, and field work. In addition, students may need to take mathematics and statistics to learn data analysis.
Zoology and wildlife biology students may gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or other employment during college.
Some zoologists and wildlife biologists need outdoor skills to work in remote locations. For example, they may need to be comfortable driving a tractor, boat, or all-terrain vehicle (ATV); using a generator; or providing for themselves.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically take on greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience or have more education. For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists with a Ph.D. may lead independent research and control the direction and content of projects.
Attention to detail. Zoologists and wildlife biologists must be able to notice changes in an animal’s behavior or appearance.
Communication skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists write about and present their research to the public, policymakers, and academic audiences.
Critical-thinking skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists need sound reasoning and judgment to draw conclusions from their experiments and observations.
Interpersonal skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically work on teams and must be able to work effectively with others.
Outdoor skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to navigate rough terrain, carry heavy equipment for long distances, or perform other activities associated with living in remote areas.
Problem-solving skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find solutions to wildlife threats, such as disease and habitat loss.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $64,650 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,900.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $81,890 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 64,420 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 63,580 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 61,920 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 61,780 |
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may have irregular schedules, especially when doing fieldwork.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,500 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists may be limited by budgetary constraints, as jobs and funding for these workers often come from state, federal, and local governments. However, some zoologists and wildlife biologists are expected to be needed to help combat the loss of biodiversity caused by human activities, as well as to research climate-driven ecosystem changes. These workers also may be needed to develop and implement conservation plans to reduce threats to animals and protect natural resources.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Zoologists and wildlife biologists |
19-1023 | 17,100 | 17,200 | 1 | 100 | Get data | |
For more information about zoologists and wildlife biologists, visit
American Ornithological Society (AOS)
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH)
American Society of Mammalogists (ASM)
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
The Wildlife Society (TWS)
Zoological Association of America (ZAA)
For information about topics related to zoology and wildlife biology, visit
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
To find job openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the federal government, visit
For a career video on zoologists and wildlife biologists, visit
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists