Zoologists are biological scientists who study the behavior, physiology, and evolution of animals. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutions, and government agencies, and their salaries can vary depending on factors such as their level of education, experience, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $63,790 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $40,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the specific job and employer.
One of the key factors that affects a zoologist's salary is their level of education. Zoologists typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field to enter the profession, but many go on to earn advanced degrees, such as master's or Ph.D.s, which can qualify them for higher-paying jobs. For example, according to the BLS, zoologists with a bachelor's degree had a median annual salary of $55,610 in May 2020, while those with a master's degree had a median annual salary of $73,440, and those with a Ph.D. had a median annual salary of $94,500.
Key Points
- The median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $63,790 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
- Zoologists' salaries can range from around $40,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on factors such as education, experience, and location.
- A bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is typically required to enter the profession, but advanced degrees can qualify zoologists for higher-paying jobs.
- Experience is also an important factor in determining a zoologist's salary, with more experienced zoologists tend to earn higher salaries.
- The location of the job can also affect the salary, with zoologists working in certain regions or industries tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other areas.
Zoologist Salary by Industry
Zoologists can work in a variety of industries, including government, academia, and private industry, and their salaries can vary depending on the specific industry and employer. According to the BLS, the top-paying industries for zoologists and wildlife biologists in May 2020 were:
| Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Federal government | $83,410 |
| State government | $64,210 |
| Local government | $61,410 |
| Colleges and universities | $63,610 |
| Private industry | $62,110 |
Zoologist Salary by Location
The location of the job can also affect a zoologist’s salary, with zoologists working in certain regions or cities tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other areas. According to the BLS, the top-paying states for zoologists and wildlife biologists in May 2020 were:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $73,610 |
| Washington | $71,410 |
| New York | $69,610 |
| Florida | $66,410 |
| Texas | $65,610 |
Zoologist Job Outlook
The job outlook for zoologists is expected to be competitive, with the BLS predicting a 5% growth in employment opportunities for zoologists and wildlife biologists from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing need for conservation and management of wildlife populations, as well as the growing demand for zoologists in industries such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Zoologist Career Advancement
Zoologists can advance their careers by gaining experience, pursuing advanced degrees, and developing specialized skills and expertise. Some common career advancement paths for zoologists include:
- Senior research scientist
- Conservation biologist
- Wildlife manager
- University professor
- Government agency administrator
By understanding the factors that affect their salary and career advancement opportunities, zoologists can make informed decisions about their career and achieve their professional goals.
What is the average salary for a zoologist?
+The median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $63,790 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
What factors affect a zoologist’s salary?
+A zoologist’s salary can be affected by factors such as their level of education, experience, location, and industry.
What is the job outlook for zoologists?
+The job outlook for zoologists is expected to be competitive, with a 5% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030, according to the BLS.
