Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animal behavior, genetics, diseases, and life processes to understand how wildlife interacts with its environment. They work for government agencies, research institutions, universities, and conservation organizations, often in field settings or laboratories, collecting and analyzing biological data to inform wildlife management and environmental impact decisions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against zoologists and wildlife biologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A zoologist might spend mornings in the field observing animal populations, setting traps or cameras to collect data, and recording behavioral patterns. Afternoons often involve laboratory work analyzing tissue samples or genetic material, entering field observations into databases, and reviewing research literature. Time is also spent writing reports, preparing presentations, and collaborating with other scientists on ongoing studies or environmental assessments.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to excel in this work if you enjoy investigating problems systematically and working directly with nature and physical systems. You're drawn to hands-on research, comfortable spending time outdoors in varied conditions, and motivated by understanding how animals function and adapt to their environments.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Concord, New Hampshire · $84579–$131790
- Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Smyrna, Delaware · $82289–$128221
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Nacogdoches, Texas · $89508–$116362
- Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Lafayette, Louisiana · $106437–$138370
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Anchorage, Alaska · $84439–$131571
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Multiple Locations · $89508–$116362
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Frankfort, Kentucky · $89508–$116362
- FUL-Wildlife Biologist · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Baring, Maine · $50460–$97087
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $74,130 | $107,500 | $114,860 | 250 |
| District of Columbia | $85,200 | $107,050 | $140,670 | 140 |
| California | $75,250 | $98,530 | $168,170 | 2,210 |
| Alaska | $71,390 | $90,370 | $106,870 | 650 |
| Mississippi | $63,030 | $88,710 | $115,210 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $73,920 | $87,460 | $97,470 | 50 |
| Oregon | $68,160 | $85,150 | $98,110 | 1,010 |
| Hawaii | $71,150 | $84,910 | $105,100 | 170 |
| Massachusetts | $67,710 | $84,350 | $104,080 | 470 |
| Washington | $69,380 | $83,780 | $104,750 | 1,840 |
| Colorado | $69,620 | $83,300 | $99,850 | 730 |
| New Jersey | $68,040 | $83,030 | $105,930 | 90 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fisheries Professional Associate (FPA) — American Fisheries Society
- Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Diplomate of the ACVPM — American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine
- Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) — Society of Wetland Scientists
- Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) — Society of Wetland Scientists
- Fisheries Professional Certified (FPC) — American Fisheries Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against zoologists and wildlife biologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-1023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.