What is the Salary of a Zoologist?

The field of zoology encompasses numerous career options related to the study of animals. Most people associate zoologists with zookeepers, but zoologists work in varied settings, from government agencies and environmental consulting firms to research labs and universities. Essentially, zoologists are biologists who have chosen to specialize in zoology or some facet of wildlife biology. Of course, there's no doubt that many zoologists first fell in love with animals during childhood visits to the zoo. We've all seen that child at the zoo, face pressed against the glass, staring in awe at some ancient lizard. Okay, we've all been that child - what five-year-old doesn't love the zoo? As kids grow older and begin to learn about environmental issues, many students are inspired to study zoology in order to promote conservation or help endangered species. At the heart of zoology is the study of biology, whether a zoologist becomes a zoo director, research biologist, or follows another career path.

As young biologists consider their career options, many will want to know, "What is the salary of a zoologist?" Some may be disappointed to learn that zoologist salaries often start out relatively low despite the advanced education and training required for some positions. However, most zoologists choose this field out of a love of animals, the environment or a particular aspect of wildlife biology. When considering this profession, it's important to remember some of the potential benefits besides zoologist salaries, such as working outside, traveling, and the opportunity to better understand and protect wild animals.

Zoologist Salary Data

Despite what some people might hope, working as a zoologist isn't all about communing with nature or counting baby turtles. There are definitely scientists who have had their fare share of adventures in exotic locations, but many zoologists will spend long hours in a laboratory to complete their research. How does a research biologist salary compare to other zoologist salaries? Measuring a Zoologist Average Salary by Industry shows that environmental research offers some of the lowest zoologist salaries, possibly because research projects are often dependent on grants for funding. Because some zoologist salaries rely on grant money, zoologists should round out their education in science by developing skills in writing and communication. Comparing Zoologist Salary by Employer Type reveals that zoologists working for the federal government earn some of the highest zoologist salaries. Of course, the median zoologist salary for any job title or employment setting will increase over time, as shown in the Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist Salary by Years Experience chart.

Wondering what is the salary of a zoologist in your hometown? If you live on the West Coast, you're in luck; measuring Zoologist Salaries by City puts Seattle and San Diego at the top of the list. Keep in mind, though, that cost of living can have a big impact on the average wildlife biologist salary. Using PayScale's Cost of Living Calculator to view the Cost of Living and Wildlife Biologist Salary Range in San Diego reveals that the cost of housing there is 115 percent higher than the national average. This is a particularly important consideration for those fledgling zoologists who are just starting their careers.