How to Become a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist in 2026
Median salary: $72,860 · +1.6% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist do?
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is $72,860. The bottom 10% earn around $48,240 while the top 10% earn over $113,350.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $48,240 |
| Early career (P25) | $58,360 |
| Median | $72,860 |
| Experienced (P75) | $90,590 |
| Top earners (P90) | $113,350 |
Highest-paying metros
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Rhode Islandtop | $97,050 |
| Massachusetts | $88,550 |
| Mississippi | $87,050 |
| Louisiana | $85,840 |
| Oregon | $85,150 |
| Alaska | $84,640 |
| California | $82,620 |
| Maryland | $82,600 |
| North Dakota | $82,150 |
| Washington | $82,050 |
| Iowa | $80,590 |
| Michigan | $79,020 |
| Illinois | $78,620 |
| Missouri | $77,380 |
| New Jersey | $77,380 |
| Colorado | $77,320 |
| Vermont | $75,370 |
| Ohio | $75,030 |
| Hawaii | $74,110 |
| Wyoming | $74,060 |
| West Virginia | $73,780 |
| Idaho | $72,760 |
| Connecticut | $72,030 |
| Arkansas | $71,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,550 |
| Minnesota | $70,510 |
| Arizona | $70,370 |
| Utah | $69,990 |
| New Hampshire | $69,430 |
| Maine | $66,910 |
| Virginia | $66,550 |
| New Mexico | $66,480 |
| Wisconsin | $65,960 |
| Alabama | $64,860 |
| Montana | $64,060 |
| Georgia | $63,530 |
| Kansas | $63,270 |
| South Dakota | $62,200 |
| North Carolina | $61,930 |
| South Carolina | $61,490 |
| Nevada | $60,650 |
| Tennessee | $59,950 |
| Oklahoma | $57,400 |
| Kentucky | $56,700 |
| Nebraska | $55,080 |
| Indiana | $53,190 |
| Florida | $51,420 |
| Texas | $50,610 |
How to earn more as a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist
The salary range for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists spans $65,110 — from $48,240 at entry level to $113,350 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV at $121,890 — $49,030 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: Bachelor's degree
Starting from high school
- Complete a bachelor's degree program (4 years)
- Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
- Build 1–2 years of entry-level experience
- Continue professional development and earn certifications
- Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements
Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.
In-state public universities offer the best value. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs can reduce costs by 40–60%.
With a related degree
- Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
- Earn professional certifications (field-specific certifications and licensure)
- Build relevant experience through lateral transfers or project work
- Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience
Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.
Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.
Career change from another field
- Complete a second bachelor's or accelerated degree program
- Earn required professional certifications
- Complete supervised work experience or residency
- Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile
Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.
Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.
Already working in another career?
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The Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist.
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SOC: 19-1023.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034