how to become a zoologist
Do you love animals and wildlife? Do you often wish you could go out to live and work with animals? Well, if you become a zoologist you can do just that!
A zoologist is often referred to as a wildlife biologist and is one of the natural sciences where you have to study various animals in their natural habitats, as well as their behavior when in captivation, or in laboratories. Most entry level jobs require you to have an undergraduate degree in biology majoring in zoology, but for most research jobs you will be required to have your PhD. The job outlook for zoologists is good, with a predicted 13% increase in jobs over the next 8 years, so now is the perfect time to go become a zoologist.
A zoologist is not simply an animal behavior expert, but also studies animal diseases, life process, reproduction, feeding habits, and the number of certain animals. Most zoologists tend to specialize in one type of animal that appeals to them and interests them the most, for example, mammalogists study mammals, ichthyologists study fish, ornithologists study birds, and herpetologists study reptiles. Some zoologists go one step further and decide to only study elephants, or sharks.
To become a zoologist you should start out when you are in high school volunteering at zoos, animal shelters, kennels, and aquariums to gain experience working with animals. Subjects you should take include mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.
The next step is to get your undergraduate degree in zoology or biology with suggested additional classes like genetics, botany, anthropology, evolution, animal psychology, stats, chemistry, mathematics, ecology, conservation and biochemistry. If you want to get accepted into the best jobs, you should also think about taking extra courses in English, a foreign language and technical writing, as you will need top communication skills in this line of work. If you want to teach zoology, go into management positions, or conduct research you will need to advance your qualification with a Master's and Doctorate degree.
A zoologist has the ability to work in government and may eventually get to head up a national wildlife refuge facility once they have enough experience. Currently the federal government offers the highest number of zoologist jobs, but you can also find work in zoos, national parks, nature reserves, research labs, and museums. If you decide to move into the research side of things, then you also need to understand how to write and apply for government funding and acquire the necessary grants in order to carry out the research. Some zoologists end up becoming vets, animal dentists, or go into teaching biology or science at schools or colleges.
With zoology being an important job, there are also various scholarship programs offered by various organizations including The National Science Foundation, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, The Association for Women in Science, Iowa Lakes Community College, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, and the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab just to name a few.
It is common for a zoologist to work a regular 40 hour week, but sometimes when conducting research or in the field longer hours are expected, with zoologists working into the night, and occasionally over weekends and holidays.
An important part of being a zoologist is working outdoors in the field and you have to be prepared to travel extensively and work outdoors for periods of time in cold or hot conditions. You should be fit and healthy with a calm personality that sooths the animals you are working with. Depending on what animals you study, the job can have a certain element of danger, so extra precautions and preventative measures should always be taken. You should also be prepared to dissect dead animals to learn more about them.
Becoming a zoologist is something that many people think about because they love animals, but then never do. Don't let this be you.
Zoologist Salary Information
Quick Zoologist Employment Facts
Job Title: Zoologist
Office: Laboratory, an office, or out in the field.
Description: The study of wildlife and animals.
Certifications/Education: A Bachelor degree in zoology or biological sciences is needed for entry level jobs, but for managerial positions and research, a Master's and PhD is required.
Necessary Skills: Dedication, patience, able to communicate effectively, knowledge of computers, must be a team player, able to lead, and have an analytical mind.
Potential Employers: Zoos, National Parks, Nature Reserves, Museums, Research labs, and Government Organizations.
Pay: The annual average income of a zoologist is $61,000 with Maryland being the highest paying State offering $91,000 on average for a zoologist.
Learn About the Salary, Required Skills, & More
Image by Tim Liedtke. © The Balance 2019
Zoologists are biologists who study a variety of animal species. Those studies can include researching animal behaviors and characteristics, and how they interact with their ecosystems. Zoologists may be involved in research, animal management, or education.
Zoologists may specialize in a branch of the field that is concerned with a related group of animals, such as mammalogy (mammals), herpetology (reptiles), ichthyology (fish), or ornithology (birds). Zoologists may also specialize even further by concentrating on the study of a single species.
Zoologist Duties & Responsibilities
The duties of a zoologist generally include the following:
- Designing and conducting research projects and studies of animals
- Studying the characteristics of animals and their behaviors
- Collecting and analyzing biological data and specimens
- Writing papers, reports, and articles that explain research findings
- Ensuring animal welfare through various initiatives
- Educating the public on animal welfare and wildlife conservation
- Promoting conservation efforts
- Assisting with captive breeding programs
Zoologists often work in conjunction with zookeepers, veterinarians, marine biologists, and wildlife biologists to properly manage animal populations in captivity and in the wild. Zoologists may also take on keeper and curator roles in some zoological parks.
Zoologist Salary
The salary for zoologists may vary based on factors such as the type of employment, level of education completed, and duties required by their specific position. Zoologists with graduate degrees or with specialized knowledge tend to earn higher salaries in the field.
- Median Annual Salary: $62,290
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $99,700
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $39,620
Education, Training, & Certification
Zoologists must have at least a bachelor's degree to enter the profession. Graduate-level degrees, such as a master's or a Ph.D., are generally preferred and often required for advanced research or teaching positions.
The major for an aspiring zoologist is usually biology, zoology, or a closely related field. Many undergraduates earn their initial bachelor's degree in biology before focusing on zoology during their graduate-level studies.
Courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, statistics, communications, and computer technology are required for the pursuit of any degree in the biological sciences.
Zoologists may also need to take additional courses in animal science, veterinary science, animal behavior, animal husbandry, and ecology to complete their degree requirements.
Zoologist Skills & Competencies
Zoologists need the following traits in order to perform their duties:
- Communication skills: Zoologists must be able to write effective research papers and reports. They also need to communicate verbally and in writing with the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
- Observation skills: It's critical to notice slight changes in an animal's behavior or appearance and observe a variety of elements in animals' surroundings.
- Critical-thinking skills: Zoologists must be able to draw conclusions from experiments, research results, and scientific observations.
- Problem-solving abilities: Zoologists must find solutions to help protect animals and wildlife from possible threats.
- Comfort with technology: Being tech savvy is a plus because zoologists often use highly specialized scientific equipment and data management software during the course of their research activities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for wildlife biologists and zoologists will grow slightly more than the average, at 8 percent through the year 2026 compared to 7 percent for all occupations. Zoologists holding graduate degrees will have the greatest number of career options, especially in research and academia.
Professional Associations for Zoologists
Zoologists may face strong competition for jobs. Becoming a member of a professional association can give candidates an advantage.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums: The AZA is one of the most prominent membership groups for zoologists and other zoo professionals. AZA members are a network of thousands of committed zoo and aquarium professionals, organizations, and suppliers worldwide. The organization offers associate and professional membership levels.
Zoological Association of America: The ZAA is another professional group open to zoologists. This association also offers associate and professional levels of membership.
American Association of Zoo Keepers: Zoologists may also choose to join the AAZK, a widely known group that has been active in the profession since 1967. The AAZK is not just for zookeepers, though; membership includes all levels of zoo personnel, from keepers to curators to veterinarians.
Work Environment
Employment opportunities for zoologists are present with zoological parks, aquariums, marine parks, state or federal governmental agencies, laboratories, educational institutions, museums, publications, environmental conservation groups, and consulting companies.
Enjoying the outdoors is a must for this career path. Zoologists may work outdoors in varying weather conditions and extreme temperatures while conducting research or management activities.
Work Schedule
Most zoologists work full-time, and they may work long or irregular hours, especially when working in the field.
Comparing Similar Jobs
People who are interested in becoming zoologists may also be interested in the following careers, listed with their median annual salaries:
- Animal care and service worker: $23,160
- Veterinarian: $90,420
- Biochemist and biophysicist: $91,190
- Environmental scientist and specialist: $69,400
How to Get the Job
Intern at a Zoo
Look at the top zoo internships around the country and choose one that's right for you.
Join a Professional Association
Identify Job Opportunities
Organizations such as the AZA post job opportunities that are specific to the field of zoology.
Becoming a Zoologist takes hard work and a large commitment to studying marine or wildlife biology, but in the end a career in this field is extremely rewarding.
Put simply, Zoologists study animals, their behaviour, natural environments and can conduct group or independent research into a variety of areas.
The pathway to a career in zoology is typically through higher education (i.e. bachelor's degree and/or master's degree) but with so many job opportunities within the field, entering zoology is easier than you'd think.
What is a Zoologist?
Zoology is the study of living organisms, i.e. animals; Zoologists study a variety of species in different environments, ecosystems and specific behaviours.
There are a range of animal care courses you can undertake to get qualified in zoology.
This field is quite scientific as one of the main responsibilities is conducting research and analysing data. Many Zoologists find employment at universities, zoos and at government agencies.
There are actually a few specialised careers within Zoology including:
Herpetologists
A Herpetologist is someone who specialises in reptilian and amphibian species. In studying herpetology, these specialised Zoologists provide care and conduct research on species like frogs, snakes, turtles, crocodiles and lizards looking at their behaviour, genetics, anatomy, health etc.
Ornithologists
Ornithology looks at the biological and applied research on birds, including their evolution, structure to habitats and other trends. They are a specific wildlife biologist looking at their physical structure, behaviour, environmental issues and even diseases.
Ichthyologists
Ichthyology comes under the study of marine biology, where an Ichthyologist is knowledgeable about all fish species, including their habitats, history and developmental patterns. It is common for these specialised Zoologists to conduct deep-sea and underwater research, therefore requiring a SCUBA certification!
Mammalogists
A Mammalogist studies a variety of mammals and wild animals/species in their natural habitats and there biology. Mammalogists typically work at zoos and reserves but can also be found in an academic setting like at museums.
How to Become a Zoologist
The pathway to a career as a Zoologist is simpler than you may think. Zoology degrees are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The minimum education requirement in this field is a bachelors degree typically a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology; completing a master's degree qualifies for higher-level positions within a variety of work spaces as well as increased pay and responsibilities.
Choosing to complete a Ph.D. is recommended if you choose to go into a field that requires you to conduct research and developing plans for conservation/management.
It is important that throughout your degree, you undertake a variety of practical experience and/or volunteer work. You may be able to complete your masters and your Ph.D. whilst completing work in an entry level job.
Employers will typically look for good communication skills, a background in science, critical thinking and problem solving.
Other skills include active learning, proficiency with a variety of softwares and of course a passion for wildlife biology, animal behaviour or whatever your main interest in Zoology is!
At Training.com.au, we currently offer 2 short courses that'll give you the right skill set and knowledge to work in related fields that are similar to a Zoologists work.
Both of the Zoology Certificates offer career outcomes that centre on assistant work to Zoo Keepers and Vets, or offer the communication skills and coursework needed to become a Wildlife Officer or Ranger.
There are plenty of short courses and certificates out there to complete if you don't think a Zoologist job is exactly right for you, but know this field is your calling.
What is an Animal Carer and How Can You Become One?
Learn everything there is to know about this rewarding career.
If you love animals, we have good news for you. Zoology is the degree you should be pursuing because it's focused on the members of the animal kingdom and life in general. It's a branch of biology that inquires into individual animals and their constituent parts (down to the molecular level) as well as into animal populations, entire faunas, and the relationships of animals to each other, to plants, and to the nonliving environment.
Tracing the roots of zoology leads us to Charles Darwin. The famous zoologist is known as the father of biology. His scientific theory of evolution by natural selection — outlined in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859 — had three main components: variation occurred randomly among members of a species; children can inherit traits from parents; and individuals with the most favourable traits will survive. This shocked religious Victorian society then, but is now the foundation of modern evolutionary studies.
Another famous zoologist would be Jane Morris Goodall, famous for "talking" and her expertise with chimpanzees. The fierce environmental advocate also established an institute to conserve efforts and advance studies of chimpanzees.
Today, no zoologist is as recognisable as the beloved British naturalist David Attenborough. This English naturalist is known for his famous collaboration with BBC, where he provided his "breathy, awe-struck commentary" to accompany stunning close-ups of nature that has captivated viewers since the 1950s.
If you consider yourself a wildlife advocate and animal lover, a degree in zoology would be the best field of study to get into. Below we take a look at what encompasses a degree in this field and what you can do with it:
What you need beforehand
Biology is the utmost important requirement to study zoology unis will usually need this as one of your subjects including math and another science. A Levels grades needed typically range from CCD to AAB but most unis always ask for BBB. You'll also need to have passed at least five GCSEs with a minimum grade of C or 4.
Most zoology programmes require you to have studied higher level biology under the International Baccalaureate or equivalent. If English is not your first language, you'll also have to prove your proficiency in it with your GCSE/IGCSE, IELTS or a legitimate and acceptable qualification.
When writing your personal statement, you need to communicate your passion for this subject and how you can contribute to uni life (being part of student societies here helps!).
When studying zoology, topics you'll cover are general biology (including microbiology), chemistry, ecology and environmental science. Source: Johan Ordonez/AFP
What you'll study
Most unis that offer this degree have state-of-the-art laboratories and have you go on field trips to refine your research skills. Topics you'll cover are: general biology (including microbiology), chemistry, ecology and environmental science. As you further your studies (as with most science courses), you will find a specialty that suits you.
Career possibilities
Ecologists, as you most probably know, are scientists that assess the diversity of organisms within ecosystems. Their average yearly salary is US$77,001 . A nature conservation officer educates the public about wildlife. If you're keen on advocating for animals, you could make US$57,710 a year.
Another cool job with a salary of US$74,066 is an animal nutritionist. You'd be responsible for balancing rations to ensure all the dietary needs of animals under your supervision are met. If you're into assuming responsibilities for maintaining the health and habitat of animals, you could be a zookeeper. This role at entry-level could earn you US$38,571 a year.
Find The Best Zoologist Jobs For You
Where do you want to work?
Zoologist Careers
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a zoologist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $32.55 an hour? That's $67,697 a year!
Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 900 job opportunities across the U.S.
What Does a Zoologist Do
When it comes to searching for a job, many search for a key term or phrase. Instead, it might be more helpful to search by industry, as you might be missing jobs that you never thought about in industries that you didn't even think offered positions related to the zoologist job title. But what industry to start with? Most zoologists actually find jobs in the hospitality and non profits industries.
How To Become a Zoologist
If you're interested in becoming a zoologist, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 56.7% of zoologists have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 26.7% of zoologists have master's degrees. Even though most zoologists have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a zoologist. When we researched the most common majors for a zoologist, we found that they most commonly earn bachelor's degree degrees or master's degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on zoologist resumes include high school diploma degrees or associate degree degrees.
You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a zoologist. In fact, many zoologist jobs require experience in a role such as research assistant. Meanwhile, many zoologists also have previous career experience in roles such as internship or cashier.
What is the right job for my career path?
Tell us your goals and we'll match you with the right jobs to get there.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
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.
Table of contents
Zoologists need at least a Bachelor's Degree for entry-level positions, but some positions may require a Master's Degree or a Doctorate Degree. The most common majors for this career include Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Conservation, and Animal Health and Behavior. Zoologists do not need any certifications or licenses.
Featured Schools
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Requirements
Step 1: Study Biology and Math in High School
Zoology is a scientific field, requiring students to have a good understanding of Biology. Aspiring Zoologists should also excel at math due to the technical requirements of the job.
As Zoologists are devoted to the study of animal life, volunteering with animals is also a useful step for high school students. Consider volunteering at an animal shelter, zoo, or aquarium to work more closely with a variety of animal species.
Some Zoology positions require workers to spend a great deal of time outdoors. Spending more time hiking or camping may help aspiring Zoologists become more comfortable with the wilderness. Volunteering and other extracurricular activities also look good on college applications.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
A Bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for Zoologists. Many universities and colleges offer Bachelor's degrees in Zoology and Wildlife Biology. Other suitable degrees include Animal Health and Behavior, Ecology, and Biology with additional coursework in Zoology.
Common courses include animal biology, cellular biology, anatomy, ecology, and wildlife management. Students may also take courses in mathematics and statistics, as this job often requires Zoologists to analyze complex data.
Zoologists frequently use advanced computer software, including geographic information systems (GIS). Taking additional courses in GIS can better prepare students for this career. Undergraduates can also obtain a GIS certificate before seeking employment.
Step 3: Obtain Work Experience
Many Zoologists enter the workforce during college to gain practical experience before entering their field. Look for opportunities for volunteering, internships, or employment.
Some Zoology programs help students find internships and co-op programs. Internships often involve writing research papers and assisting workers at zoos or wildlife centers. These opportunities may also lead to employment after college. If internships are not available, students should look for employment or volunteer at a local animal shelter, zoo, or aquarium.
Animal keeper and Zookeeper are the most common starting jobs for Zoologists. Working during college could shorten the path to becoming a Zoologist, as employers may require related work experience.
Step 4: Expand Your Outdoor Skills
College students should also focus on developing their outdoor skills. Depending on the job, Zoologists may need to drive tractors, ATVs, or boats. They may also need to know how to provide for themselves in the wilderness.
Taking courses in outdoor survival or spending more time camping and backpacking can help aspiring Zoologists gain the necessary skills. If you plan on working at aquariums, you may also need to get a scuba certification.
Step 5: Consider Earning a Master's Degree
Earning a Master's degree is an optional step for most Zoologists. However, a Master's degree may be required for scientific research or senior positions at wildlife facilities. For example, many Zoo Directors hold Master's degrees in Zoology or a related field. It is also common for those seeking senior positions to take courses or pursue degrees in Business Administration or Business Management.
Most Master's degree programs take two years to complete after earning a Bachelor's degree. However, some programs may provide an advanced track for undergraduate students that leads to both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree.
Aspiring Zoologists who pursue Master's degrees or Doctoral degrees should choose a specialty. The advanced courses that they take provide the opportunity to focus on specific areas of Zoology. Many Zoologists choose to focus their careers on specific animal groups. For example, Entomologists specialize in insects. Herpetologists work with amphibians and reptiles. Ethologists are experts of animal behavior. Ichthyologists specialize in wild fish.
Choosing a specialty is not required. However, specializing in a different branch of Zoology can provide greater job opportunities outside of zoos and aquariums. For example, employers may favor candidates with specialized knowledge for research positions.
Step 6: Take Part in Research Projects
Participating in research projects increases your career prospects when seeking jobs related to scientific work. Students should actively seek research projects that require additional researchers. For example, a professor or doctoral candidate may accept assistance with their latest project. Students may also find research projects by volunteering at zoos, wildlife centers, or government facilities.
Step 7: Consider Earning a Doctorate
A Doctorate is typically required for research work at universities or working as a Professor of Zoology. Earning a Ph.D. may take four to six years. The first several years are spent on research and coursework while the final years are spent writing a dissertation. A dissertation involves original research. Zoologists may need to complete fieldwork and enlist the help of assistants. Some universities also require Doctoral candidates to attend classes.
Step 8: Seek Entry-Level Work in Zoology
After completing your education, start looking for entry-level jobs in your field. Close to 50% of Zoologists work for the State or Federal government at parks and other government-run facilities. Zoologists also work for zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers. Along with Zoologist, common job titles include Conservation Biologist and Wildlife Conservationist.
Aspiring Zoologists with previous work experience may be able to apply for positions in their field without starting as a Zookeeper or an Animal Keeper.
Step 9: Join a Professional Organization
Zoologists do not need licenses or certifications for most jobs, but they should keep track of the latest developments in their industry. Joining a professional organization provides access to the latest news. Professional organizations may also help with job opportunities and resources.
Zoologists may join the American Institute of Biological Sciences, Animal Behavior Society, or the Zoological Association of America. Each of these organizations has different membership requirements and fees.
What degree do most Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists have
We did a survey to ask other Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.
If animals and wildlife, their behavior and the ecosystems where they live in fascinate you, then a career as a zoologist could be something you will enjoy. In this profession, you will have the opportunity to study animals, their physical traits, behavior and the effect that human beings and their activities have on them and their habitats.
You will study what diseases they are prone to, their reproduction and population dynamics, migratory patterns and interactions with other animals. Just like any scientist, you will keep a detailed record of your observations.
Part of your job will be to conduct experiments and tests both in their natural surroundings and in controlled environments. You will gather data and specimens so that these can be studied and analyzed further in the laboratory.
For instance, you will obtain samples of blood of the animals you are observing to determine if they are healthy or are suffering from any disease. Another way to gather data would be to tag animals so that they can be tracked in their natural habitat. This is now made possible through the use of geographic information systems and special computer software and programs.
In addition to tracking animals, these advanced computer systems also allow zoologists to predict the possible threats to a particular species and forecast the distribution of potentially invasive plant and animal life.
As a zoologist, you will be conducting a lot of research throughout your career. You will detail your findings in research papers and reports published in various journals as well as disseminate it through presentations in conferences, lectures and seminars with different kinds of audiences. The research you do will often be used by public officials to formulate conservation plans for those species that are under threat.
It will also be made as a basis for wildlife management programs that aim to make animal populations become sustainable once again. You may also do research to gain a better understanding of a particular species.
Depending on your area of interest, you may opt to specialize by studying only a particular species. For instance, you can confine your study to whales, dolphins and other marine mammals as a cetologist or to that of snakes, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians as a herpetologist. You can focus on entomology or the study of insects, on ichthyology or the study of fish or on ornithology or the study of birds. You may even specialize by studying animals that live in a particular habitat. Marine biologists, for example, study animals living in saltwater.
Critical thinking is important for zoologists because you need to derive conclusions from your scientific observations and experiments. This must also come together with good communication skills since you will be coming up with scientific papers and giving talks to different audiences.
During field work, you could be left on your own with minimal contact with other people. As such, you need to be emotionally prepared to handle this kind of stress. Caring for injured animals can also be a draining experience so you need to be able to manage this well. The nature of your work also necessitates that you should possess the skills to survive in the outdoors. This means that you should know how to swim, chop wood and navigate unforgiving terrain.
Why Become A Zoologist
There are many reasons to become a zoologist. One of the most important ones is that it gives you the chance to work with animals and wildlife. If you love the outdoors and want a career that gives you excitement and action then working as a zoologist would certainly be a dream job. It also enables you to work towards the conservation and management of species that are close to dying out because of hunting and the encroachment of humans in their natural habitats.
If you love teaching, you can also get the chance to share your knowledge and passion to high school and college students if you are a zoologist. As you advance in your career, you may also lead teams to conduct research on topics that are close to your heart.
Zoologist Work Environment
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that in 2012, zoologists and wildlife biologists worked with state governments, federal government and in the research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences field. They were also employed in management, scientific and technical consulting services companies; universities, colleges and professional schools and local governments.
Zoologists spend a lot of time outdoors in different kinds of environment and weather when doing fieldwork. This can be challenging and dangerous since most of the locations where they will be going to have no modern amenities. Their work can take them to deserts, forests, mountains and oceans.
Zoologist Salary
According to the Occupational Employment and Wages report of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage of zoologists and wildlife biologists in May 2013 is $62,610. The agency reported in 2012 that zoologists and wildlife biologists working with the federal government received the highest pay at $72,700 followed by those in research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences who got $59,670.
The other industries where these professionals got the highest pay were with local governments; management, scientific and technical consulting services; colleges, universities and professional schools and state governments.
Average Zoologist Annual Salary
The average annual salary for zoologists is $66,250 a year. Salaries start at $39,620 a year and go up to $99,700 a year.
Average Zoologist Hourly Wage
The average hourly wage for a zoologist is $31.85. Hourly wages are between $19.05 and $47.93 an hour.
Stats were based out of 17,710 employed zoologists in the United States.
Highest Paying States For Zoologists
- 1. District of Columbia $53.37 / hr $111,000 / yr
- 2. Maryland $47.98 / hr $99,800 / yr
- 3. Massachusetts $40.95 / hr $85,180 / yr
- 4. Rhode Island $40.50 / hr $84,250 / yr
- 5. Connecticut $39.17 / hr $81,480 / yr
Top Paying Cities For Zoologists
- 1. Gulfport, MS $49.49 / hr $102,950 / yr
- 2. Barnstable, MA $47.49 / hr $98,780 / yr
- 3. Washington, DC $47.19 / hr $98,150 / yr
- 4. Baltimore, MD $46.06 / hr $95,800 / yr
- 5. Miami, FL $45.44 / hr $94,510 / yr
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Zoologist Career Outlook
The career outlook for zoologists and wildlife biologists is going to grow slower than average for all job types at a rate of 5 percent. Job opportunities exist because they will be needed to look at the effects of an increasing population to wildlife and their habitats.
Federal agencies like the United States Fish and Wildlife Service will need them to research and come up with wildlife management and conservation plans to help safeguard the world's biological resources. However, the number of zoologists that these agencies will employ will depend on their budgets.
Zoologist Degree
A bachelor's degree in zoology, ecology, wildlife biology or related field is needed for entry-level positions. For higher-level positions, a master's degree is often required. For those who want to conduct independent research or teach at the university level, a doctoral degree is a must.
In addition, they also need to have knowledge about statistical software and computer programs since they will use geographic information systems and other sophisticated programs to carry out their work successfully. Getting more education is needed to advance in the field and do research on topics that they are passionate about.
If you love animals, we have good news for you. Zoology is the degree you should be pursuing because it's focused on the members of the animal kingdom and life in general. It's a branch of biology that inquires into individual animals and their constituent parts (down to the molecular level) as well as into animal populations, entire faunas, and the relationships of animals to each other, to plants, and to the nonliving environment.
Tracing the roots of zoology leads us to Charles Darwin. The famous zoologist is known as the father of biology. His scientific theory of evolution by natural selection — outlined in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859 — had three main components: variation occurred randomly among members of a species; children can inherit traits from parents; and individuals with the most favourable traits will survive. This shocked religious Victorian society then, but is now the foundation of modern evolutionary studies.
Another famous zoologist would be Jane Morris Goodall, famous for "talking" and her expertise with chimpanzees. The fierce environmental advocate also established an institute to conserve efforts and advance studies of chimpanzees.
Today, no zoologist is as recognisable as the beloved British naturalist David Attenborough. This English naturalist is known for his famous collaboration with BBC, where he provided his "breathy, awe-struck commentary" to accompany stunning close-ups of nature that has captivated viewers since the 1950s.
If you consider yourself a wildlife advocate and animal lover, a degree in zoology would be the best field of study to get into. Below we take a look at what encompasses a degree in this field and what you can do with it:
What you need beforehand
Biology is the utmost important requirement to study zoology unis will usually need this as one of your subjects including math and another science. A Levels grades needed typically range from CCD to AAB but most unis always ask for BBB. You'll also need to have passed at least five GCSEs with a minimum grade of C or 4.
Most zoology programmes require you to have studied higher level biology under the International Baccalaureate or equivalent. If English is not your first language, you'll also have to prove your proficiency in it with your GCSE/IGCSE, IELTS or a legitimate and acceptable qualification.
When writing your personal statement, you need to communicate your passion for this subject and how you can contribute to uni life (being part of student societies here helps!).
When studying zoology, topics you'll cover are general biology (including microbiology), chemistry, ecology and environmental science. Source: Johan Ordonez/AFP
What you'll study
Most unis that offer this degree have state-of-the-art laboratories and have you go on field trips to refine your research skills. Topics you'll cover are: general biology (including microbiology), chemistry, ecology and environmental science. As you further your studies (as with most science courses), you will find a specialty that suits you.
Career possibilities
Ecologists, as you most probably know, are scientists that assess the diversity of organisms within ecosystems. Their average yearly salary is US$77,001 . A nature conservation officer educates the public about wildlife. If you're keen on advocating for animals, you could make US$57,710 a year.
Another cool job with a salary of US$74,066 is an animal nutritionist. You'd be responsible for balancing rations to ensure all the dietary needs of animals under your supervision are met. If you're into assuming responsibilities for maintaining the health and habitat of animals, you could be a zookeeper. This role at entry-level could earn you US$38,571 a year.
how to become a zoologist
Source: https://lifashionist.com/how-to-become-a-zoologist/
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