SALARY GUIDE
Explore Zoologist Earnings & Career Trajectory
From field research to conservation leadership, see how your passion translates into pay.
Salary Overview
Compare salaries across experience levels and countries
Entry Level
$45,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$70,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$95,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$130,000
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$60,000
Canada$55,000
United Kingdom£38,000
AustraliaA$65,000
Germany€48,000
India₹800,000
40‑Year Career Salary Projection
See how your earning potential grows throughout your career
Top Paying Industries
Compare average salaries across sectors
Salary by Industry
Wildlife Conservation NGOs$58,000
Government Agencies (e.g., US Fish & Wildlife Service)$62,000
Zoos & Aquariums$55,000
Academic & Research Institutions$65,000
Private Consulting & Environmental Impact Firms$70,000
Salary by Specialization
Explore earning potential in different areas
Marine Zoology
$68,000
Average annual salary
Wildlife Ecology
$62,000
Average annual salary
Animal Behavior
$60,000
Average annual salary
Conservation Genetics
$75,000
Average annual salary
Veterinary Zoology
$80,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
- Highest degree earned (BSc, MSc, PhD)
- Years of field experience
- Geographic location and cost of living
- Type of employer (government, nonprofit, academia, private)
- Research funding availability
- Specialized skill sets (e.g., molecular techniques, GIS)
Certification Impact
Boost your earning potential with professional certifications
Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB)
$5,000–$10,000
Salary increase potential
Society for Conservation Biology Membership
$2,000
Salary increase potential
GIS Professional Certification
$3,500
Salary increase potential
Global Market Insights
Understand the worldwide salary landscape
Highest Paying
United States
Fastest Growing
China (expanding wildlife tourism and conservation projects)
Most Stable
United Kingdom
Job Market Outlook
Employment for zoologists is projected to grow 6% over the next decade, driven by increased funding for biodiversity research, rising public interest in wildlife conservation, and expanding roles in environmental consulting and policy development.
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