Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the U.S. is $76,780 ($36.91 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $76,780
- Mean annual wage
- $83,020
- Median hourly wage
- $36.91
- Employment
- 18,120
18,120 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,100 | $23.61 |
| 25th percentile | $61,180 | $29.41 |
| Median (50th) | $76,780 | $36.91 |
| 75th percentile | $96,100 | $46.20 |
| 90th percentile | $126,440 | $60.79 |
Highest-paying states for zoologists and wildlife biologists
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $107,500 | 250 |
| District of Columbia | $107,050 | 140 |
| California | $98,530 | 2,210 |
| Alaska | $90,370 | 650 |
| Mississippi | $88,710 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $87,460 | 50 |
| Oregon | $85,150 | 1,010 |
| Hawaii | $84,910 | 170 |
| Massachusetts | $84,350 | 470 |
| Washington | $83,780 | 1,840 |
Lowest-paying states
- Texas: $49,100 median annual wage
- Florida: $52,750 median annual wage
- Indiana: $54,670 median annual wage
- Nebraska: $57,890 median annual wage
- Kentucky: $61,950 median annual wage
About this occupation
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.
Typical tasks
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- 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.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Bachelor's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 49.3% |
| Master's degree | 30.2% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 20.5% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$90,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$82,220
- Chemists$91,240
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$100,580
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62,280
- Biological Technicians$57,510
- School Psychologists$95,990
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.