To become a wildlife biologist, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, zoology or a related field such as natural resources for entry-level jobs. A master's degree opens higher level roles, and you'll usually need a Ph.D. to lead independent research. Field experience through internships, volunteering or work during college makes a big difference.
Wildlife biologists study animals in the wild and how they interact with their ecosystems. It's a small field with a lot of interest, so the way you build experience matters as much as the degree. This guide uses the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) profile for zoologists and wildlife biologists, read on 26 October 2026.
The route at a glance
| Level | What it qualifies you for |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | Entry-level positions, often in the field |
| Master's degree | Higher level positions |
| Ph.D. | Independent research positions and leading research projects |
Step by step
- Pick the right degree. BLS lists zoology, wildlife biology and related fields such as natural resources. Some students major in biology and add zoology and wildlife biology courses.
- Take the maths seriously. Programs often include mathematics and statistics so you can analyse data. Data analysis is a core part of the job, not a side skill.
- Get field experience early. BLS says students gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work or other jobs during college.
- Learn outdoor skills. Some roles need you to be comfortable driving a tractor, boat or ATV, using a generator or looking after yourself in remote places.
- Decide how far to go. If you want to direct research, plan for a master's and then a Ph.D.
What wildlife biologists do day to day
BLS says zoologists and wildlife biologists focus mainly on undomesticated animals and their behaviour, and on the impact people have on wildlife and natural habitats. Typical duties include:
- Designing and running studies with animals in controlled or natural settings
- Collecting and analysing specimens and other biological data
- Studying how animals reproduce, interact with other species, carry disease and move
- Running breeding programs for game animals, endangered species and other wildlife
- Estimating, monitoring and managing wildlife populations and invasive species
- Analysing how human activity affects wildlife and habitats, and building programs to prevent harm
The qualities that get you hired
BLS lists a handful of qualities that matter in this job, and they're a useful checklist when you write your applications:
- Attention to detail: you'll need to notice small changes in an animal's behaviour or appearance.
- Communication skills: wildlife biologists write about and present research to the public, policymakers and academics.
- Critical thinking: you'll draw conclusions from experiments and observations, so sound judgment matters.
- Interpersonal skills: most research happens in teams.
The communication point is easy to overlook. A lot of the job is writing reports and explaining findings to people who aren't scientists, so any experience writing for a general audience is worth putting on your CV.
Who hires wildlife biologists
Here's the insight that shapes your whole job search. BLS says government employs 66% of zoologists and wildlife biologists. That's two in three jobs.
| Largest employers (BLS, 2025) | Share of jobs (percent) | Median annual pay |
|---|---|---|
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 66 | $78,650 |
| Management, scientific and technical consulting | 10 | $84,570 |
| Social advocacy organizations | 7 | $56,700 |
| Research and development in the life sciences | 3 | $84,110 |
| State colleges and universities | 3 | $78,630 |
Those figures are as of October 2026. The pattern is clear: government is where most of the jobs are, but consulting and private research pay a little more, while advocacy groups pay noticeably less. If you care most about pay, environmental consulting is worth a look. If you want the widest choice of roles, learn how federal and state hiring works.
Pay and job outlook
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $76,780 in May 2025, according to BLS. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,100 and the highest 10% more than $126,440.
There were about 19,500 jobs in 2025, and BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That works out to about 1,400 openings a year, most of them from people moving into other jobs or retiring. It's a competitive field, which is why your experience and data skills matter.
What the work looks like
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. Depending on the job, they split time between offices, laboratories and the outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats. Fieldwork can mean travelling to remote locations anywhere in the world. Some work with environmental scientists and hydrologists, for example to monitor water pollution and its effects on fish populations.
Some biologists specialise further. BLS notes, for example, that marine biologists study fish and other wildlife that live in the oceans, which is a popular path for people who want to work on coasts or at sea. Choosing a specialism early helps you pick the right internships and graduate programs.
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As you gain experience or education, you'll usually take on more responsibility and independence. With a Ph.D., you may lead your own research and control its direction and content.
My verdict
Wildlife biology rewards people who combine a love of animals with a head for numbers. Get into the field as early as you can, take every statistics course on offer and treat volunteering as part of your training, not an extra. If academic research is your long-term goal, read how to become a professor too, and keep your CV sharp with these resume summary examples.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a wildlife biologist?
Usually a bachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife biology or a related field such as natural resources. Some people major in biology and add zoology and wildlife biology courses.
Do you need a master's degree to be a wildlife biologist?
Not for entry-level jobs, but BLS says you typically need at least a master's for higher level positions and a Ph.D. for independent research.
How much do wildlife biologists make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $76,780 for zoologists and wildlife biologists in May 2025.
Who employs the most wildlife biologists?
Government. BLS says it employs 66% of zoologists and wildlife biologists.
Is wildlife biology a growing field?
BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 1,400 openings a year.
Do wildlife biologists work outdoors?
Often. They split time between offices, laboratories and the field, and some fieldwork means travelling to remote locations.
