Is wildlife biology a competitive field?
Career Quests & Job Journeys
Wildlife biology careers are highly rewarding, but the field is challenging and competitive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this field will grow 5% over the next decade. Most full-fledged wildlife biologists need a master's degree, but doctorates are common.
Job Outlook
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Wildlife Biologist gender statistics
37.2% of wildlife biologists are women and 62.8% of wildlife biologists are men.
Limited job opportunities: There is often high competition for jobs in the field, and positions may be limited, especially for entry-level positions. Work can be physically demanding: Fieldwork can be physically demanding, requiring long hours outdoors in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Most permanent jobs in these fields will require at least a four-year college education. Some can be available with an associate degree, but those are limited. Increasingly, as competition in the job market increases, a master's degree is useful or needed to level-up.
Good technical, biological, quantitative, and communications skills are a must. Being a wildlife biologist is challenging and the job is not only varied but also stimulating, important, and satisfying.
Math and science skills: Wildlife biologists and zoologists solve complex scientific problems and use math to create formulas or models. To be successful, they need a strong understanding of the scientific process and basic math skills.
Both may conduct research, but as a wildlife biologist, it is likely you'd be be in the field, or in the “wild.” Both may study animals' habitats and how they're changing, and work on a team, but as a zoologist, you'd be more likely to focus on the animal's properties and traits, whereas as a wildlife biologist, you'd ...
- Olympia, WA. $77,344 per year. 10 salaries reported.
- Anchorage, AK. $73,082 per year. 6 salaries reported.
- Boise, ID. $70,723 per year. 8 salaries reported.
- Lewiston, ID. $68,733 per year. 6 salaries reported.
- Fairbanks, AK. $64,450 per year. ...
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What is the best major for wildlife biology?
Related Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Zoology/Animal Biology | 1,674 |
Entomology | 419 |
Animal Behavior & Ethology | 183 |
Animal Physiology | 153 |
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
From certificate to doctorate and associate to graduate - learn more about creating your career in the world of STEM.
Various studies show the most male-dominated industries include construction and building, vehicle technicians or mechanics, or carpenters, where the share of women is only 1–2%. Female-dominated jobs include preschool and kindergarten teachers, nursing, or secretarial positions.
A Bachelor's degree is required for entry into this field, although many wildlife biologists also hold Master's degrees. A Zoologists or Wildlife Biologist will normally receive a salary between $41,720 and $106,320 depending on experience and talent.
Demand for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is expected to go up, with an expected 4,610 new jobs filled by 2029. This represents an annual increase of 2.98 percent over the next few years. Join our career community today!
Most of my peers were in their late 20s, 30s, and we even had students in their 40s. It's never too late, and you will definitely fit in in graduate school. If you need to back track – do you need to get another Bachelor's degree? No.
In our experience, a GPA of 3.0 or better is needed to secure a permanent position in the wildlife profession because it demonstrates professional competency to employers.
A Typical Day
Field work may require hiking and climbing over rugged terrain in bad weather conditions. Office work often means long periods of time standing and sitting, writing reports of analyzing information, and making recommendations on how best to manage the wildlife habitat.
Wolf biologists are the individuals who discover and uncover the truth about wolves, and in turn, use what they know to better understand, conserve, and manage wolves.
One thing for sure ... you'll spend time outside observing nature and enhancing the health of the landscape for wildlife. It's fun and a lot of work. You'll be tired at night ... but happy!
What is the toughest field of biology?
Molecular Cell Biology is one of the hardest Biology degrees to study, and Biology in itself is a very challenging discipline. Studying Molecular Cell Biology is like learning a new language, as there is an incredibly complex vocabulary to describe the structure and function of life at the molecular level.
- Biological technician or research assistant. ...
- Nutritionist. ...
- High school biology teacher. ...
- Forensic scientists. ...
- Environmental scientist or specialist. ...
- Pharmaceutical sales representative. ...
- Agricultural technicians. ...
- Ecologist.
While, yes, you will need math in wildlife biology, I wouldn't let that sway your interest in wildlife/conservation biology. You're going to have to take math classes for most Bachelor of Science degrees (as well as biology and chemistry). You'd need math even if you pursued a business degree.
They may also work for the state or federal government in conservation or research roles, often within agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Private-sector employment may be secured at zoos, community centers, environmental research facilities, and consulting firms.
How Many Years of College Do You Need to Become a Wildlife Biologist? At least four, but here are several options: 4 years for a bachelor's degree. 2-3 additional years for a master's (plus a bachelor's degree)