USA Career Guide-Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Education and Training Required to be Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the USA
To become zoologists and wildlife biologists you need at least a bachelor’s degree. Many schools offer bachelor’s degree programs in zoology and wildlife biology or a closely related field such as ecology. An undergraduate degree in biology with coursework in zoology and wildlife biology is also good preparation for a career as a zoologist or wildlife biologist. Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need at least a master’s degree for higher-level positions. M.S. degrees are completed by conducting original research spanning two to three years. Ph.D. degrees, offered to those who already hold an M.S. in Zoology or related areas, are generally completed in five years. A Ph.D. is necessary for most independent research and for college teaching positions.
Related Instructional Programs:
Animal Behavior and Ethology
Animal Physiology
Ecology
Entomology
Marine Sciences
Wildlife Biology
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
Zoology/Animal Biology
Zoology/Animal Biology, Other
Job Prospects of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the USA
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Although in 2011 there were 19,800 jobs which is projected to increase to 21,300 by 2020.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists should have good job opportunities. In addition to job growth, many job openings will be created by zoologists and wildlife biologists who retire, advance to management positions, or change careers.
More zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study the impact of population growth and development on wildlife and their habitats. However, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists in local, state, and federal government agencies, such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, will vary based on the budgets for these agencies.
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections programPay of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the USA
The median annual wage of zoologists and wildlife biologists was $57,430 in May 2010.
Median annual wages in the industries May 2010
Federal government, excluding postal service $71,110 Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 63,740 State government, excluding education and hospitals 52,360 Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 50,040
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics |