Zoologist

Your Fit

Income

$73K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

3.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Zoologist?

A Zoologist is a scientist who studies animals and their behavior, physiology, classification, and distribution. They conduct research to understand various aspects of both wild and captive animals and their interactions with ecosystems.

Sample job titles:

Conservation Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Wildlife Biologist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Zoologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Zoologist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$58K per year	$73K per year	$91K per year	$113K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $23K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Zoologist do?

Work environment

Zoologists work in a variety of settings including wildlife reserves, zoos, oceanic environments, laboratories, and academic institutions. Some spend significant time in the field conducting research and collecting data, while others work more in laboratory or office settings analyzing data and writing reports.

Quick task list

Conducts research on animal behavior, characteristics, and habitats.
Collects and analyzes biological data and specimens.
Publishes research findings in scientific journals.
Develops conservation plans or advises policymakers on wildlife protection.
Educates the public and students about wildlife and conservation.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Ethology: Studying animal behavior in natural environments.
Marine Biology: Focusing on sea creatures and their ecosystems.
Conservation Science: Developing strategies to protect endangered species.
Wildlife Biology: Studying animals in their natural habitats and wildlife management.
Entomology: Specializing in the study of insects.

Description

Zoologists play a critical role in understanding animal life and contributing to wildlife conservation and management. Their work can range from studying the behavior of animals in their natural habitat to conducting lab-based research on animal genetics. Many zoologists also engage in efforts to protect endangered species and habitats, making their work essential for biodiversity conservation.

The field of zoology is vast and offers a variety of career paths. Zoologists may find themselves tracking animals in the wild, conducting laboratory experiments, or using sophisticated technology to analyze animal behavior and biology. This career requires not only a deep understanding of animal science but also strong analytical and research skills.

Becoming a zoologist typically requires a passion for wildlife and conservation, patience for extensive research, and the ability to work in potentially challenging environments. The job can be highly rewarding for those who are passionate about animals and interested in contributing to our understanding of the natural world and its preservation.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.
Discovering new information about animal species and behaviors.
Working in diverse environments and experiencing wildlife firsthand.

You might make a good Zoologist if you are...

Fascinated by animals and their ecosystems.
Interested in conducting research and fieldwork.
Patient, observant, and detail-oriented.
Committed to conservation and environmental issues.
Skilled in data analysis and scientific writing.

Pros:

Opportunity to work with a variety of animal species.
Potential to contribute to significant environmental and conservation efforts.
Diverse work settings, from field research in exotic locations to academic research and teaching.

Cons:

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and sometimes involves working in harsh conditions.
Academic and research positions can be highly competitive.
Balancing fieldwork with the demands of data analysis, report writing, and grant applications.

How to become a Zoologist

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in zoology or a related field is typically required, which takes about 4 years. Advanced research positions often require a master's degree or Ph.D.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand basic principles of animal life and ecosystems.
Environmental Science to gain insight into conservation issues.
Mathematics, particularly statistics, for data analysis.
Geography or Earth Sciences to understand different ecosystems and habitats.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at animal shelters, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Participating in environmental clubs or outdoor activities.
Engaging in citizen science projects or wildlife observation hobbies like bird watching.

Preparation after high school

Earning a bachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships or fieldwork opportunities.
Pursuing advanced degrees (master's or Ph.D.) for specialized research or academic positions.
Joining professional organizations and attending conferences to network and stay informed on current research.

More resources

The Wildlife Society - Provides resources and networking opportunities for wildlife professionals and students.
American Society of Mammalogists - Offers information and research opportunities in mammalogy.
Ornithological Societies of North America (OSNA) - A consortium of organizations dedicated to the study and conservation of birds.
Society for Conservation Biology - A global community of conservation professionals.
Ecological Society of America - Offers resources for ecological education and research.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.