Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, their behaviors, and the environments they inhabit. Employment numbers for this specialization depend heavily on geographical factors, including the presence of large state and federal conservation programs, major research universities, and environmental protection funding. Understanding the distribution and concentration of these professionals provides insight into the job market. This analysis utilizes data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to examine the geographical distribution, compensation, and future of zoology and wildlife biology roles.
Defining the Role of a Zoologist
Zoologists and wildlife biologists investigate animals’ physical characteristics, genetics, life processes, and how they interact within their ecosystems. These professionals conduct research ranging from tracking animal populations in the wild to analyzing biological data in a laboratory setting. For statistical purposes, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups Zoologists with Wildlife Biologists under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code 19-1023. The data presented reflects this combined category of specialists in animal science.
The State Employing the Highest Number of Zoologists
Washington employs the highest absolute number of zoologists and wildlife biologists, with 2,040 professionals as of May 2023. This high figure is driven by the state’s extensive natural resources, including a long coastline, numerous forests, and significant mountain ranges that require ongoing management and conservation efforts. The presence of large federal and state agencies focused on fisheries, forestry, and wildlife management contributes substantially to this number. Washington’s high total is also supported by a strong public sector, with state government agencies being major employers. California also has a high employment count at 1,620, reflecting its large size and diverse ecological zones. However, the absolute count can be misleading for job seekers because it does not account for the total workforce size in the state.
Where Zoologist Jobs Are Most Concentrated
A more informative metric than absolute numbers is the location quotient, which measures the concentration of an occupation relative to the national average employment across all industries. A higher location quotient suggests a greater likelihood of finding work in the field. Alaska shows the highest concentration of zoologists and wildlife biologists, with a location quotient significantly above the national average. This indicates that these jobs make up a much larger share of the state’s total employment. This high concentration is attributable to the intense focus on fisheries management, wildlife research, and environmental impact studies related to Alaska’s vast, undeveloped natural environment and resource industries. Other states with high job concentration include Wyoming and Oregon, where economies depend more heavily on natural resource conservation and management than in larger, industrialized states.
Salary and Career Outlook for Zoologists
The salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists varies significantly by state, with the national median annual wage at $72,860 as of May 2024. States that offer the highest average annual wages include Mississippi ($101,460) and California ($91,090). These high-wage states often feature specialized research or consulting roles that command higher salaries.
The career outlook is projected to grow by 2% from 2024 to 2034, a rate slower than the average for all occupations. The BLS projects approximately 1,400 openings each year over the decade. Most of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.