Average Zoologist Salary and Pay Range
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $66,350 as of May 2023, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $41,720 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $106,320 BLS occupational outlook. Glassdoor and Indeed report similar ranges, with average base pay around $65,000 to $70,000 per year, and total compensation rising with experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills.
Entry-level zoologists with a bachelor's degree typically start between $38,000 and $48,000, while mid-career professionals with five to ten years of experience often earn $55,000 to $75,000. Senior zoologists, research leads, and those in management roles can reach $90,000 to $110,000, especially in federal or industry positions that require fieldwork, grant writing, and publication records.
Top Employers and Industries Paying Zoologists
The federal government, including agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Geological Survey, is among the highest-paying employers, with median salaries often exceeding $80,000 USAGov federal jobs. State governments, universities, research institutes, and consulting firms also employ large numbers of zoologists, with pay varying by budget, grant funding, and location.
In the private sector, zoologists working for pharmaceutical companies, environmental consulting firms, and zoos or aquariums earn competitive salaries, often with additional benefits such as field allowances, travel reimbursement, and retirement plans. Companies like EcoAnalysts, AECOM, and Arcadis hire field biologists and zoologists for environmental impact studies, with salaries commonly in the $60,000 to $95,000 range depending on project complexity and seniority.
Job Outlook, Demand, and Career Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists to grow about 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, adding roughly 1,800 new jobs over the decade, with openings driven by conservation needs, wildlife management, and environmental regulations BLS job outlook. Growth is strongest in states with large natural resources, federal land management agencies, and expanding renewable energy and infrastructure projects requiring wildlife surveys.
Zoologists with advanced degrees, GIS and modeling skills, and experience in endangered species management or marine biology tend to have the strongest job prospects and highest earning potential. Professional certifications, such as those offered by The Wildlife Society, and memberships in organizations like the American Society of Mammalogists can improve hiring chances and salary negotiation leverage for early and mid-career professionals.