Wildlife biologists study animal behavior, population dynamics, ecology, and the impact of human activity on wildlife.
They work for state and federal wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms, and universities.
As of 2026, the median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists is approximately $67,760 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Federal government positions typically pay more than state agencies, and positions requiring advanced degrees in ecology or wildlife science often command higher salaries.
For a closely related occupational salary, see our guide on the zoologist salary, which covers the same BLS occupational category with a focus on zoo and research settings.
Wildlife Biologist Salary Overview
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $67,760 for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
The bottom 10% earn approximately $43,000, while the top 10% earn more than $107,000.
Federal wildlife positions with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA Forest Service typically pay above state agency counterparts.
Wildlife biologist salaries compare with other federal science careers.
A geologist salary (~$93,000 at the federal median) and an epidemiologist salary (~$81,000) show how other government science careers can pay above the wildlife biologist median, reflecting higher demand and specialized technical skills.
The marine biologist salary falls within the same BLS grouping and offers an adjacent comparison for field-based science careers.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Salary by Employer Type
The federal government is the highest-paying employer of wildlife biologists, followed by state wildlife and fish agencies.
Environmental consulting firms employ significant numbers of wildlife biologists and pay competitively, especially for specialists in environmental impact assessment and regulatory compliance.
Academic positions at universities may pay at or below the median with research support and tenure benefits.
Wildlife biologists in federal positions benefit from the GS pay system and federal benefits package, including FERS retirement.
The park ranger salary offers a useful comparison for another federal conservation career that uses the same GS pay system — park rangers and wildlife biologists often work alongside each other in national parks and wildlife refuges.
Impact of Advanced Degrees
A bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field is the minimum for entry-level positions. A master's degree typically leads to senior research and management positions. A Ph.D. is expected for university faculty roles and for leading independent research programs.
Advanced degrees generally correspond to higher-paying and higher-prestige positions in the field.
Graduate students considering debt financing for master's or doctoral programs should understand the student loan interest deduction and carefully weigh the return on investment given wildlife biologist salary ranges.
The earnings ceiling in conservation careers is lower than in clinical or technology fields, making financial planning from early career especially important.
Federal employees with access to the Thrift Savings Plan should understand how much to contribute alongside their FERS pension accrual.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists to grow by approximately 5% through 2032. Conservation concerns, environmental regulations, and expanded habitat management programs drive demand for qualified wildlife professionals.
Wildlife biologists choosing where to work geographically should weigh not only salary but also cost of living.
The cost of living in Alaska is high despite the federal locality pay supplement that accompanies Alaskan federal positions.
The cost of living in Washington State is also significant for biologists based at Pacific Northwest federal facilities.
Early-career wildlife biologists should build an emergency fund of at least 3 months of expenses to weather the seasonal and contract gaps that are common in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a wildlife biologist in 2026?
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists is approximately $67,760 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Who employs the most wildlife biologists?
State wildlife agencies and the federal government (USFWS, USDA Forest Service, USGS) employ the most wildlife biologists. Environmental consulting firms are also major employers.
Does a master's degree increase wildlife biologist pay?
Yes. A master's degree typically qualifies wildlife biologists for senior research, management, and program leadership roles with higher pay than entry-level bachelor's positions.
What is the job outlook for wildlife biologists?
The BLS projects approximately 5% employment growth through 2032, driven by conservation programs, environmental regulation compliance, and wildlife management needs.
What skills do wildlife biologists need?
Wildlife biologists typically need skills in field data collection, GIS (geographic information systems), statistical analysis, species identification, report writing, and knowledge of relevant federal and state environmental regulations.
Those considering this career should also understand their long-term financial picture — including retirement savings targets and average net worth by age benchmarks — as government wildlife careers offer stability but moderate lifetime earnings.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191023.htm
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Wildlife Biology Careers — https://www.fws.gov/work-with-us/job-types
Last updated: April 27, 2026