How much does a zoologist make?
Answer: A typical zoologist in the United States makes $76,780 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 18,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Zoologist pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $90,370 | about 650 |
| Oregon | $85,150 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $83,780 | about 2,000 |
| Colorado | $83,300 | about 730 |
| Minnesota | $68,620 | about 720 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a zoologist 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.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.
Did you know?
Some zoologists specialize in cephalopods, such as octopuses and cuttlefish. They’re called teuthologists.
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Life, Physical, and Social Science jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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