Wildlife biologist

A wildlife biologist is someone who studies wild animals and their habitats.

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United States

Requirements in the U.S.

To work as a wildlife biologist in the United States, one must:

• Receive a minimum of a bachelor's degree (PhD recommended) in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, or Natural Resources Management;
• Work both indoors and outdoors year round, regardless of weather conditions;
• Be prepared to travel long distances ^[1]

Salary in the U.S.

The income for a position with the U.S. federal government averages $25,000 per year for a candidate with a bachelor's degree, $32,000 per year for a candidate with a master's degree, and $37,000 per year for a candidate with a PhD. State governments offer starting salaries between $22,000 and $29,000 annually. Wildlife biologists can also work as assistant professors, teachers or professors, with salaries beginning at $38,000 per year. ^[2]

The average income for wildlife biologists in the U.S. is $44,500 annually in the federal government, $40,500 per year in state government positions, and $52,000 a year for assistant professors. Wildlife biologists earn their top salaries in the federal government and high education. Salaries in these positions can range from $65,000 to $85,000 per year. ^[3]

Notable wildlife biologists

• Jane Goodall, primatologist ^[4]
• Jeff Corwin ^[5]
• John Bindernagel
• Stanley Temple
• Jane Smart
• Archie Carr
• Archie Carr III
• Howard Nelson
• Richard Despard Estes
• Tony Soper
• George Schaller
• Harry Church Oberholser
• Thane Maynard
• Eric Strauss
• Romulus Whitaker

References