Marine Biology
By Dean Rivera
Marine biology, a profession not chosen by many.
What Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Do
- Develop and conduct experimental studies with animals in controlled or natural surroundings
- Collect biological data and specimens for analysis
- Study the characteristics of animals, such as their interactions with other species, reproduction, population dynamics, diseases, and movement patterns
- Analyze the influence that human activity has on wildlife and their natural habitats
- Estimate, monitor, and manage wildlife populations and invasive plants and animals
- Write research papers, reports, and scholarly articles that explain their findings
- Give presentations on research findings to academics and the general public
- Develop conservation plans and make recommendations on wildlife conservation and management issues to policymakers and the general public
Pay
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Median annual wages, May 2012
Life, physical, and social science occupations$60,100
Zoologists and wildlife biologists$57,710
Total, all occupations$34,750
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $57,710 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,100, and the top 10 percent earned more than $95,430.
In May 2012, the median annual wages for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the top six industries in which these scientists worked were as follows:
Federal government, excluding postal service$72,700
Research and development in the physical, engineering,
and life sciences59,670
Local government, excluding education and hospitals57,110
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services56,740
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state55,610
State government, excluding education and hospitals51,780
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours when doing fieldwork.
Job Outlook
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Percent change in employment, projected 2012-22
Total, all occupations11%
Life, physical, and social science occupations10%
Zoologists and wildlife biologists5%