Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and their interactions with ecosystems, conducting research, managing wildlife populations, and advising on conservation efforts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists (SOC 19-1023) was approximately $67,760 as of the most recent Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, equivalent to roughly $32.58 per hour.
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 3% through 2033.
A master's degree is typically required for research and advanced field positions, while a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for entry-level technician or assistant roles.
Key factors affecting pay include employment sector (federal agencies, state agencies, academic research, zoo and aquarium employment), geographic location, degree level, and whether the position involves field work, laboratory research, or policy and management responsibilities.
For a related field, the wildlife biologist salary guide covers the species management and conservation policy side of this BLS occupational category.
Zoologist Salary Overview (2026)
According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for zoologists and wildlife biologists (SOC 19-1023), the median annual wage is approximately $67,760 per year ($32.58/hr) as of the 2024 survey.
The table below illustrates the wage distribution across percentiles:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | ~$40,000 | ~$19.23 |
| 25th Percentile | ~$52,000 | ~$25.00 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | ~$67,760 | ~$32.58 |
| 75th Percentile | ~$88,000 | ~$42.31 |
| 90th Percentile | ~$112,000+ | ~$53.85+ |
Federal agency positions through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and related agencies typically fall in the mid-to-upper portion of this range.
Zoo and aquarium employment often falls at or below the median, while senior research scientists and wildlife program managers may reach the upper range.
Peer science occupations like the marine biologist salary and the geologist salary are useful benchmarks when comparing federal science career tracks.
To see exactly how wages like $32 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $32 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Pay by Experience Level
Zoologist pay increases meaningfully with advanced education, field expertise, and movement into research leadership or agency management. Many entry-level positions require only a bachelor's degree, but promotion and competitive federal positions increasingly require a master's or doctoral degree.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–3 years, bachelor's) | $38,000 – $52,000 | Wildlife tech, research assistant |
| Mid-Level (4–8 years, master's) | $55,000 – $78,000 | Field biologist, agency biologist |
| Senior / Experienced (9+ years) | $78,000 – $110,000 | Program manager, research scientist |
| Principal Scientist / Director | $100,000 – $130,000+ | Agency leadership, senior research |
Early Career and Field Technician Roles
Entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists frequently begin as seasonal wildlife technicians for state or federal agencies, earning $15–$22 per hour during seasonal work periods.
These temporary positions provide field experience but lack year-round income stability.
Permanent entry-level federal positions, classified at GS-5 to GS-9 on the General Schedule pay scale, offer more stability and benefits.
GS-9 positions in 2026 start at approximately $49,000–$55,000 depending on locality pay adjustments. The park ranger salary follows the same GS pay system and offers a point of comparison for entry-level federal conservation careers.
Research and Advanced Positions
Zoologists who pursue graduate education — particularly a master's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field — can access higher-graded federal positions (GS-11 to GS-13) and research scientist roles.
Senior wildlife biologists with significant field leadership experience or published research may advance to program or regional manager roles, which carry higher pay and administrative responsibilities.
An epidemiologist salary in federal health agencies offers a parallel science career path through the GS system for comparison.
Salary by State and Region
Geographic location significantly affects zoologist earnings. Federal locality pay adjustments mean that the same GS grade pays differently in San Francisco versus a rural field station. State agency salaries vary considerably based on state budget conditions and conservation program funding.
| State / Region | Approximate Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| California | ~$82,000 – $98,000 |
| Alaska | ~$78,000 – $92,000 |
| Washington | ~$72,000 – $88,000 |
| Colorado | ~$66,000 – $80,000 |
| Texas | ~$58,000 – $72,000 |
| Southeastern States | ~$50,000 – $65,000 |
| Midwest | ~$52,000 – $68,000 |
Federal agency positions offer locality pay adjustments that significantly raise effective pay in high cost-of-living areas.
Positions at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and USDA Forest Service are among the most common employers of zoologists and wildlife biologists.
Zoologists choosing between Alaska-based positions and continental assignments should factor in the cost of living in Alaska, which is high, despite the federal locality pay supplement.
Factors That Affect Zoologist Pay
Several variables shape what a zoologist may earn in a given year:
Research vs. Field Work vs. Zoo Employment
Zoologists working in research institutions and federal agencies typically earn more than those in zoo and aquarium settings.
Zoo biologists and curators, while engaged in meaningful conservation and animal care work, often earn below the occupational median — particularly in smaller or nonprofit-operated facilities.
Research positions at universities or federal laboratories, especially those with external grant funding, tend to offer competitive salaries.
Field biologists in remote or challenging environments may receive hazard or hardship allowances in government employment.
Federal vs. State vs. Private Employment
Federal agency positions (USFWS, BLM, NPS, USFS, USGS, USDA) typically pay more than comparable state agency positions, reflecting federal pay scales and comprehensive benefits packages including federal retirement systems.
Private-sector zoologists in environmental consulting, impact assessment, or pharmaceutical/biomedical research may earn competitive salaries depending on firm size and industry.
Nonprofit conservation organization positions often pay below equivalent government roles.
Degree Level
A bachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field is the minimum for entry-level positions.
However, most competitive federal positions, research roles, and positions involving independent study design require a master's degree, and some senior research and academic positions require a PhD.
Degree level is one of the strongest predictors of long-term earning potential in this occupation.
Graduate students considering debt financing should evaluate the student loan interest deduction as part of their cost-benefit analysis.
Specialization and Publication Record
Zoologists who develop specialized expertise — in population genetics, satellite telemetry, GIS-based wildlife modeling, endocrinology, or specific taxonomic groups — may be competitive for higher-paying federal research positions or grants-funded academic roles.
A strong publication record supports grant acquisition, which is the primary revenue driver for zoologists in academic research settings.
Career Outlook for Zoologists
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for zoologists and wildlife biologists, employment is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, approximately in line with the average for all occupations.
The BLS projects approximately 1,700 job openings annually, reflecting both growth and turnover.
The field faces a moderately competitive job market, as the number of graduates with relevant degrees tends to exceed available permanent positions.
Seasonal and contract work is common, particularly for early-career biologists building experience.
Conservation funding levels — both federal and state — significantly influence job availability in government sectors.
Climate change, habitat loss, and invasive species management are increasing demand for wildlife expertise in regulatory and conservation planning contexts.
Environmental consulting firms that conduct wildlife surveys for development permits represent a growing employer sector outside traditional government and academic employment.
Zoologists who build federal careers should maximize their federal retirement benefit by understanding how retirement savings targets interact with the FERS pension they're accruing — and supplement through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which functions similarly to a 401(k).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a zoologist in the U.S.?
According to BLS data for zoologists and wildlife biologists (SOC 19-1023), the median annual wage is approximately $67,760 ($32.58/hr) as of 2024. Federal agency positions typically fall in the mid-to-upper range of the pay distribution, while zoo employment often falls at or below the median.
What education do you need to become a zoologist?
A bachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field is the minimum for entry-level technician and assistant roles.
Most independent research and competitive federal positions require a master's degree.
Academic and senior research scientist positions typically require a PhD.
Fieldwork experience through internships and volunteer projects is also important for early career positioning.
Where do most zoologists work?
According to BLS data, the largest employers of zoologists and wildlife biologists are state and federal government agencies.
Major federal employers include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and USGS.
Other employers include colleges and universities, museums, nonprofit conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms, and zoos and aquariums.
Is zoology a good career for income stability?
Federal and state government positions offer strong income stability, comprehensive benefits, and defined retirement plans.
However, many entry-level wildlife positions are seasonal or contract-based, which creates income variability early in a career.
Competition for permanent positions is typically higher than the number of available openings, making experience accumulation and graduate-level education important for long-term career stability.
Understanding emergency fund size guidelines is especially important during seasonal or contract phases of an early career.
How does zoologist pay compare to other biological science jobs?
The zoologist/wildlife biologist median ($67,760) is below the broader biological scientist median (~$85,000+) and well below biochemists, microbiologists, and medical scientists, whose median wages reflect higher demand in pharmaceutical and clinical research sectors.
Conservation and ecology careers generally offer lower median pay than biomedical or clinical science careers, reflecting funding structures and labor market dynamics in each sector.
The biomedical engineer salary (~$99,550) illustrates how applied biological science careers in industry can outpace academic and conservation tracks.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (SOC 19-1023). Accessed 2026. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191023.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook — Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. Accessed 2026. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Summary Report for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (19-1023.00). Accessed 2026. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1023.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026