Wildlife Biologist
Salary, job outlook, education and requirements
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.
Also called: Aquatic Biologist · Conservation Biologist · Fish and Wildlife Biologist · Fisheries Biologist · Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist · Habitat Biologist · Migratory Game Bird Biologist · Wildlife Biologist
O*NET-SOC 19-1023.00 (Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists)
Wildlife Biologist salary
Wages for zoologists and wildlife biologists across all employers, 2025 data. The 10th percentile is typical entry-level pay; the 90th percentile reflects the most experienced and highest-paid workers.
National median hourly wage: $36.91.
Wildlife Biologist pay by state
Ten largest states by population, annual wages.
| State | 10th percentile | Median | 90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $58,380 | $98,530 | $177,760 |
| Texas | $39,800 | $49,100 | $106,020 |
| Florida | $39,900 | $52,750 | $97,660 |
| New York | $58,240 | $82,640 | $117,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,060 | $78,540 | $113,920 |
| Illinois | $55,690 | $79,780 | $112,900 |
| Ohio | $45,700 | $74,550 | $108,930 |
| Georgia | $54,970 | $66,210 | $115,150 |
| North Carolina | $48,370 | $64,620 | $122,120 |
| Michigan | $58,720 | $79,150 | $104,250 |
Wildlife Biologist job outlook
- Employment is projected to go from 19,500 jobs in 2025 to 20,200 in 2035 (4% change).
- About 1,400 openings are projected each year, including jobs that open up as workers retire or change occupations.
- CareerOneStop outlook rating: Below Average.
How to become a wildlife biologist
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- No work experience
- On-the-job training
- No on-the-job training
Education level of current workers
- Bachelor's degree46.2%
- Master's degree31.9%
- Doctoral or professional degree21.9%
Related training programs
- Animal Behavior and Ethology
- Animal Physiology
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Environmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
- Marine Sciences
- Wildlife Biology
- Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology, Other
What does a wildlife biologist do?
Common tasks
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Conduct literature reviews.
- Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
Most important skills
- Writing
- Writing things for co-workers or customers.
- Active Listening
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
- Speaking
- Talking to others.
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
- Complex Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
- Science
- Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension
- Reading work-related information.
- Critical Thinking
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Wildlife Biologist certifications
The certifications CareerOneStop maps to this occupation. Requirements vary by employer and state.
- American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine · Specialty
- Ducks Unlimited · Product/Equipment
- American Fisheries Society · Core
Wildlife Biologist jobs
Current federal openings from USAJOBS. For more natural resources & parks jobs, including private-sector listings, see the Natural Resources & Parks jobs hub.
Job data from USAJOBS.gov. Careers.org is not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM.
Related careers
- Biologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Range Managers
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Environmental Scientist
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Animal Scientists
- Forester
More natural resources & parks careers
This page includes information from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Source: CareerOneStop occupation profile for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. Wages are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program; projections are national long-term projections.