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The differences between wildlife biologists and veterinarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a wildlife biologist and a veterinarian. Additionally, a veterinarian has an average salary of $109,524, which is higher than the $51,084 average annual salary of a wildlife biologist.
The top three skills for a wildlife biologist include USDA, wildlife species and GIS. The most important skills for a veterinarian are PET, customer service, and diagnostic tests.
| Wildlife Biologist | Veterinarian | |
| Yearly salary | $51,084 | $109,524 |
| Hourly rate | $24.56 | $52.66 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 5,376 | 13,255 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A wildlife biologist specializes in studying and observing animals and plants in their habitats, mainly for research and scientific purposes. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering samples and data, performing analysis through various laboratory and scientific processes, conducting experiments, and creating reports and presentations. A wildlife biologist may use their findings to develop programs and strategies, release research papers, contribute to publications, and promote public awareness. Furthermore, a wildlife biologist may coordinate with other scientists, reviewing findings for accurate reports.
Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing the injuries and illnesses of animals through a variety of procedures. Veterinarians often perform vaccinations to protect animals from diseases, but they can also be involved with an animal's dental health as well. Some other duties include prescribing medication, performing surgical procedures, and dressing wounds. Veterinarians are concerned with all aspects of an animal's well-being, which inclues emergency procedures as well as long-term preventative healthcare. Veterinarians are also known as "vets," and most conduct their work in private clinics.
Wildlife biologists and veterinarians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wildlife Biologist | Veterinarian | |
| Average salary | $51,084 | $109,524 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $75,000 | Between $58,000 And $205,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | Portland, ME |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Maine |
| Best paying company | Idaho National Lab | Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a wildlife biologist and a veterinarian in terms of educational background:
| Wildlife Biologist | Veterinarian | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Biology | Veterinary Medicine |
| Most common college | University of California - Davis | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between wildlife biologists' and veterinarians' demographics:
| Wildlife Biologist | Veterinarian | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.8% Female, 37.2% | Male, 37.1% Female, 62.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.1% Asian, 4.8% White, 83.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 15% |