How much does a zoologist make?
a year · about $37 an hour
A typical zoologist in the United States makes $76,780 a year, about $37 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They may trek into a habitat to count animals, collect samples, or tag them, then use maps and computer tools to follow their movements. Back in a lab or office, they analyze data and suggest ways to protect wildlife.
Did you know? Some zoologists specialize in cephalopods, such as octopuses and cuttlefish. They’re called teuthologists.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $49,100 and $126,440How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor's in zoology, wildlife biology, or a related field, with lab and field classes; internships or volunteering help. A master's can lead to advanced jobs, and a Ph.D. is usually needed to lead research.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and education: more experienced zoologists may take on more independent, responsible work. The employer or industry and the location matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($107,500), lowest in Texas ($49,100).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $49,100 | $76,780 | $126,440 | about 18,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $107,500 | about 250 |
| District of Columbia | $107,050 | about 140 |
| California | $98,530 | about 2,000 |
| Alaska | $90,370 | about 650 |
| Mississippi | $88,710 | about 110 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologi
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/wildlife-biologist-bring-a-kid-to-work-day-508.p
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY