Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and wildlife, supported by a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and analytical thinking. Nationally, this occupation employs about 18,000 people and offers a median annual salary of $72,860, reflecting established professional opportunities. The role benefits from skills in problem solving, project management, and critical thinking, along with strong writing, reading, and communication abilities. Creativity, innovation, and comfort with computers and information technology also play a key part in this career path. With projected employment growth of 1.6% and about 1,000 annual openings, the field presents ongoing, though measured, opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals. Career paths can also intersect with related options such as health and safety roles, landscape architecture, and animal science. Overall, this is a science-focused career that appeals to those who enjoy analytical work, leading projects, and communicating findings about animals and the natural world.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists earn a national median salary of $72,860, with notable variation by location. Several states show higher median salaries, particularly California at $98,530, Washington at $83,780, Colorado at $83,300, Massachusetts at $84,350, and New York at $82,640. Among metro areas, salary differences are even more pronounced. The San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro reports a median salary of $129,940, while the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro shows $104,330 and the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA metro reports $99,230. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY-NJ metro has a median of $86,400, and the Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA-NH metro reports $75,190. These figures indicate that pay can vary substantially by region, especially between national averages, high-opportunity states, and certain major metros. Prospective zoologists and wildlife biologists can use these differences to evaluate where their earning potential may align best with their career and lifestyle goals.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists have national employment of about 18,000, with projected growth of 1.6%. This same 1.6% growth rate appears in the highlighted states and metro areas, indicating a consistent projected trend across many regions. Nationally, there are about 1,000 annual openings in this occupation, reflecting opportunities both for new graduates and for workers moving between roles. The combination of existing employment, projected growth, and annual openings suggests a field with stable, ongoing demand rather than rapid expansion. Individuals considering this career can expect continued need for professionals with strong science, analytical, and project management skills. While the projected growth rate is modest, the regular flow of openings means that candidates who develop the key skills—such as problem solving, critical thinking, and strong communication—may be better positioned to compete for available roles over time.
Location has a clear impact on opportunity for zoologists and wildlife biologists. Among states, California stands out with a median salary of $98,530, employment of 2,210, and an opportunity score of 67.38. Washington also combines relatively high employment (1,840) and salary ($83,780) with an opportunity score of 56.29. Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York show smaller employment levels—730, 470, and 370 respectively—but still offer opportunity scores above 55 and median salaries above $82,000. At the metro level, differences are even more pronounced. The San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro has a median salary of $129,940 and the highest opportunity score listed at 77.42, though with employment of 40. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY-NJ metro combines a high opportunity score of 77.27 with a median salary of $86,400. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA-NH all show strong opportunity scores and varied salary levels, giving candidates multiple geographic strategies to consider.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree, which sets a clear educational entry point for this field. This level of education supports the development of several key skills that are especially important in this occupation. Scientific knowledge, mathematics, and critical and analytical thinking form the core technical foundation. Project management and problem solving and decision making help professionals plan and execute research or other work activities effectively. Strong writing and reading skills are vital for documenting findings and engaging with technical information, while speaking and listening support collaboration and communication with different audiences. Leadership skills can be important for guiding teams or projects, and creativity and innovation contribute to generating new ideas and approaches. Comfort with computers and information technology is also highlighted, indicating that digital tools are a meaningful part of the work environment. Together, these skills align closely with the expectations for a bachelor’s-prepared professional in this science-oriented career.
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