Zoologist Salary Overview
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was about $66,350 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the lowest 10 percent earning roughly $41,720 and the top 10 percent exceeding $106,320 BLS occupational outlook. Entry-level zoologists with a bachelor's degree often start near the lower quartile, while those with a master's or Ph.D. and several years of fieldwork typically reach the median or higher.
Pay varies significantly by employer, location, and specialization. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tend to offer structured pay scales, while state parks, universities, and nonprofit conservation groups may provide different compensation packages including benefits and research allowances USAGov federal jobs.
Top Paying Industries and Employers
The highest-paying industries for zoologists include federal executive branch, scientific research and development services, and management, scientific, and technical consulting services, where median wages can exceed the overall occupational median BLS industry data. Colleges, universities, and professional schools employ many zoologists, often offering academic salaries that vary by rank, publication record, and grant funding.
Major employers such as the Smithsonian Institution, large state wildlife agencies, and private environmental consulting firms regularly hire zoologists for field studies, species management, and habitat assessment roles. Compensation at these organizations often includes benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid fieldwork travel, with total cash compensation rising for specialists in high-demand areas such as marine mammalogy or endangered species recovery Smithsonian Institution.
Factors That Influence Zoologist Pay
Education and Experience
A Ph.D. is typically required for independent research and advanced academic positions, and it often leads to higher starting salaries and faster progression compared to candidates with only a bachelor's or master's degree. Field experience, published research, and specialized skills such as GIS modeling or wildlife tagging can further increase earning potential.
Location and Cost of Living
Zoologist salaries in states with strong research and conservation sectors, such as California, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, tend to be higher than the national median, reflecting both employer budgets and regional cost of living. Remote or field-based positions in Alaska, Hawaii, or international conservation projects may offer additional hazard pay, housing allowances, or travel stipends Forbes career advice.