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Job outlook for wildlife technicians in the United States
Wildlife technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected wildlife technician job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 7,700 new jobs for wildlife technicians are projected over the next decade.
Wildlife technician salaries have increased 9% for wildlife technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 3,791 wildlife technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 9,809 active wildlife technician job openings in the US.
The average wildlife technician salary is $33,462.
Are wildlife technician jobs in demand?
Wildlife technician job and salary trends over time
Wildlife technician jobs over time
Wildlife technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,791 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,015 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,960 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,856 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,733 | 0.00% |
Average wildlife technician salary over time
Wildlife technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $33,462 | $16.09 | +1.0% |
| 2025 | $33,116 | $15.92 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $32,134 | $15.45 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $31,628 | $15.21 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $30,704 | $14.76 | +2.1% |
Wildlife technician jobs by state
Most common states for wildlife technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 614 | 9% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 68 | 7% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 53 | 7% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 44 | 7% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 68 | 5% |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 228 | 4% |
| 7 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 142 | 4% |
| 8 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 77 | 4% |
| 9 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 533 | 3% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 363 | 3% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 262 | 3% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 192 | 3% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 181 | 3% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 178 | 3% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 166 | 3% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 77 | 3% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 65 | 3% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 30 | 3% |
| 19 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 24 | 3% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 15 | 3% |
Most common cities for wildlife technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paducah | 1 | 4% | $21,426 |
| 2 | Clermont | 1 | 3% | $29,360 |
| 3 | Lewiston | 1 | 3% | $26,279 |
| 4 | Bowling Green | 1 | 2% | $21,595 |
| 5 | Brooklyn Park | 1 | 1% | $35,448 |
| 6 | Dothan | 1 | 1% | $22,601 |
| 7 | Fort Smith | 1 | 1% | $30,876 |
| 8 | Gainesville | 1 | 1% | $29,196 |
| 9 | Jackson | 1 | 1% | $27,282 |
| 10 | Lakeland | 1 | 1% | $29,459 |
| 11 | New Haven | 1 | 1% | $40,522 |
| 12 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $32,146 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $34,492 |
| 14 | Milwaukee | 1 | 0% | $33,529 |
| 15 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $35,378 |
Wildlife Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of wildlife technician experts
University of Northern Iowa
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
University of Oklahoma
Lake Superior State University
Coastal Carolina University
Stockton University
University of Rhode Island
Saint Xavier University
Norfolk State University
American University
Quinnipiac University
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Maryville University
Paine College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carleton College class of 2020 Biology major
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: I think people like the freedom that the job enables. Many biologists have flexibility with scheduling. In addition, when they are at work they are doing something that really interests them anyway. Wildlife professionals aren't paid as much as some other professions so that would be a negative but there are trade offs that are rewarding.
What Wildlife Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: Funding is very good for wildlife management in America. There are many different kinds of specific jobs someone can find depending on their interests (how much they want to work inside vs. outside, do they want to supervise, do they want to be a project leader, etc.)
What will help Wildlife Technicians increase their earning potential?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: Depends on the specific job and the specific day. There are species project leaders (in fish, game, or conservation) that have specific research projects that require field work but also inside data analysis and writing. Most of these people have a M.S. degree. Someone entering the field with a B.S. typically does more outside work. This would depend on their specific job but may be data collection, taking care of wildlife management areas, etc.
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Theresa Spradling: All of the jobs that biologists do help other people, and that brings biologists personal satisfaction with their job.
Scott Henke PhD
Regents ProfessorTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Wildlife And Wildlands Science And Management
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Scott Henke PhD: Be an active listener. Often new graduates what to show their knowledge, but being too eager to demonstrate what you know can be misunderstood as an attempt into being superior. If you are a new biologist in the area, research what issues face the citizens of the area first so you become aware of what may be needed. Then arrange a meeting with the key people or local groups and ask questions as to what they believe are their most important questions and concerns. During this meeting, only listen. Do not offer suggestions unless specifically asked to do so. Often people want to be heard so actively listen to their concerns. Get to know the locals as individuals. They will be more receptive to you as the ‘new’ person, if they feel respected by you first.
Also learn the local customs. People from different areas other than from where you grew up may do things differently. Don’t be judgmental as how things are done in the new area. Different is not necessarily wrong, its just a different way from what you may be accustomed to doing.
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Dr. Keng-Lou Hung: My answer here will be biased by my limited experience outside of academia. I think the first step in maximizing salary potential is to pick a high-potential career path. Veterinary doctors, professors at major research universities, data scientists, and high-level environmental consultants can have fairly high incomes. Wildlife department professionals, fisheries biologists, zoology teachers, and state and national park rangers seem to have very solid middle-class incomes. It seems that zookeepers and seasonal biologists tend to have more limited salary potential. Once one has settled on a career path that has the potential of high salary with promotions, the best strategy is probably to continue seeking opportunities to learn more advanced skill so as to be able to take on greater responsibilities, including both technical skills (data analysis, taxon expertise, field methodology expertise, policy/bureaucracy expertise) and personnel / logistical management skills.
What Wildlife Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Keng-Lou Hung: I would in fact like to start my answer from BEFORE one graduates with a Zoology degree. During one's undergraduate days, I would highly encourage students to get involved in hands-on research in a lab that works on topics related to their interests, or get a summer internship working with an agency aligned with their interests—such as a state wildlife department, local zoo with a conservation / research arm, a natural history museum, or an environmental consulting firm. Having some experience in the field will help students to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for what the real-life day-to-day work looks like in a job that they might be interested in, and they will also gain valuable perspective and career advice (and even connections) from their mentors and supervisors. For graduates who are lucky enough to have already landed a job in the field, my advice would be to keep an open mind and keep learning new skills, and make meaningful connections with colleagues to build a strong professional network.
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Traditional fisheries skills such as setting and lifting nets, and collecting biological data from fish will continue to be important. Managing, analyzing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and statistical software are also essential in fisheries. Other skills such as acoustic telemetry (deploying & maintaining receivers, implanting fish with transmitters), analyzing spatial data or other 'big data' sets, and laboratory skills (e.g., eDNA, water quality, emerging contaminants) are likely to increase in demand as technologies continue to develop.
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Jennifer Slate PhD: Because there are so many types of jobs in biology, there is a job to suit everyone! Jobs may be people-oriented, focus primarily on labwork, or even allow one to spend time outdoors. Many (but not all) jobs in biology require further education after finishing the bachelor’s degree. Biology graduates often go on to health professional programs, to obtain teaching certification, or to obtain a master’s or PhD degree.
What Wildlife Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There is currently a huge demand for workers in biology and other STEM professions. Healthcare workers are especially needed in nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. There is a shortage of teachers, particularly those who can teach biology or other sciences. The huge amount of biological data that is available, such as in genetics and environmental biology, means that scientists with analytical skills have great job opportunities.
What will help Wildlife Technicians increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There are so many different types of jobs in biology, to suit people of different interests. Biologists work in health care, in research labs, in environmental protection, and in teaching- just to name a few fields. Responsibilities on a day-to-day basis will depend upon the particular job field. Common skills required on a daily basis include use of computer software, ability to make and record detailed observations, and teamwork/communication skills.
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Danielle Silvia: There are many emerging trends and changes in the natural world making biology a fascinating career to embark on. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biology is predicted to see a 5% increase in job growth through 2032, as biologists are in high demand across areas such as healthcare, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology, and more. Due to pressing issues like climate change, the disappearance of species and nature, public health crises, drug development, and genetic engineering, becoming a biologist today will provide career advancement tomorrow. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in important areas of society while pursuing an intellectually stimulating career for the long-term.
What Wildlife Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Danielle Silvia: A day in the life of a biologist typically involves researching various forms of life, such as bacteria, animals, plants, how they impact the world around them, and vice versa. Biologists may run experiments to work towards answering these questions, using some of the latest and greatest scientific tools and techniques in a laboratory setting. The job scope also includes collecting and reviewing data from research and experiments, and creating reports based on findings to solve important problems. Biologists work at all levels on organisms from the molecular to the whole organism to populations.
What will help Wildlife Technicians increase their earning potential?
Danielle Silvia: Working in the field of biology offers a variety of distinct occupations, and the likes and dislikes may vary from person to person. However, if you’re somebody who enjoys thinking analytically, asking big questions then testing them, and exploring natural environments, this career path may be the right fit for you.
Derek Crane Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCoastal Carolina University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
What Wildlife Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: I think that people enjoy careers in biology because they can continuously learn, the work can differ from day to day, and it allows them to be creative. Because biology is a science, learning in biology is based on data and evidence, and when data and evidence are ignored or not used in a decision-making process it can be frustrating.
What will help Wildlife Technicians increase their earning potential?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: Some of our greatest challenges as a global society, such as food security under a changing climate, predicting, preventing, and handling of future pandemics, and rapid loss of biodiversity are based in biology. We need smart, energetic, and motivated people to address these issues.
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biology offers a variety of career opportunities in labs, industry, journalism, environmental organizations, policy-making, teaching, etc. The field is essential for addressing societal challenges and is stable in society.
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of Rhode Island
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.: Some skill sets are always essential - be a good communicator (oral and written) because these are common to all vocations in the environmental science fields. Otherwise, have a good understanding of the scientific method, critical and creative thinking skills, and as many directly applicable skills for your chosen field within environmental sciences. For example, if you want to be a wildlife ecologist then you better understand field skills related to how to estimate abundance and distribution of wild animals.
What Wildlife Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.: What will separate you from other applicants (and ensure you maximize your salary potential) is excellence in the classroom (i.e., good grades) and most importantly your outside-of-classroom set of experiences. How much fieldwork and lab work have you done, what projects have you been involved with, what internships have you done.
What will help Wildlife Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.: Make sure you take courses that teach you applied, field-applicable skills, and most importantly take advantage of experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom - in short, do internships and get involved in field research in environmental sciences and wildlife ecology and management.
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Tom Rieger: Natural Resource Technician generally have a two-year degree. Scientists and biologist have a
minimum of a 4-year degree.
Spokane Community College Natural Resource program trains our students to become one of
the following: Forestry, Fish, or Wildlife Technicians.
Natural Resource technicians generally work for Federal and State land management agencies
(USFS, BLM, States, etc.), consultants, and private landowners. Technicians working for
agencies have the most emphasis on management of forestry, wildlife, and fisheries habitats.
They are generally responsible for field visits to collect data for various projects and/or review
conditions of different habitats/projects. . Natural resource technicians spend a large part of their
time in the field collecting data, assessing populations, and measuring different habitat
parameters and working on various projects. Technicians working for consultants have the
widest diversity of work, they are project-based and can spend a lot of time working on one
project.
Daily routine.
In the morning travel to the woods to collect data or work on different projects. Late afternoon,
return to office, talk with your supervisor about the day's work and any upcoming projects, check
emails, clean and maintain field equipment, and prepare tools and equipment for tomorrow's
field activities.
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.
ProfessorSaint Xavier University
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
What will help Wildlife Technicians increase their earning potential?
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.: Maximizing salary potential when starting a career in biology involves several strategies. Firstly, pursue advanced education and training, such as obtaining a master's or doctoral degree, which can lead to higher-paying positions and increased opportunities for advancement. Specializing in high-demand areas of biology, such as biotechnology, pharmacology, or bioinformatics, can also enhance your earning potential. Additionally, gaining relevant work experience through internships, co-op programs, or research positions can make you more competitive in the job market and command higher salaries. Finally, consider seeking employment with companies or organizations in regions with a high demand for biologists and a higher cost of living, as salaries tend to be higher in these areas.
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorfolk State University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: In order to maximize the salary potential in the field of Biology, stay focused to the fundamental basics and use your skillset to problem solve obstacles and overcome them with confidence. You are no longer in the classroom, so it's time to show off all that you know. In addition, leverage your skills learned in hands-on labs to maximize your salary potential.
What Wildlife Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meg Bentley: The perfect job does not exist, especially as you are beginning your career. But lots of jobs exist where you can learn from mentors and peers, learn new skills, get exposed to new applications! Don't be a perfectionist early in your career and be thoughtful about what you hope to gain from a particular job experience - then, check in with yourself every few months about whether you are gaining what you want. Also - find and cultivate mentors wherever you end up. These mentors, whether they be peers or bosses or people more junior are your professional network and you should learn as much from them as possible! Also - be nice.
What will help Wildlife Technicians increase their earning potential?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are "starting your career" - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.
Craig Magie Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology Quinnipiac University Department of Biological SciencesQuinnipiac University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Technician?
Craig Magie Ph.D.: Decide what sort of biology you enjoy the most, and pursue a career based on that. For example, some students enjoy laboratory science and would be a good fit for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Others enjoy being outside in nature and would be better served by a career in the forest service or something similar. The more you enjoy what you do, the more motivated you will be to do it well. Make sure you have marketable skills employers are looking for and play up your critical thinking skills and adaptability. You may not be familiar with the specific technologies used in a particular job, but if you can demonstrate that you are a quick and eager learner you will be a more attractive candidate.
Abe Woodard
Ph.D. Candidate - Wildlife Science, Research Scientis, East FoundationTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
What hard/technical skills are most important for Wildlife Technicians?
Abe Woodard: Analytical skills and keeping up with technology are mandatory. Our job revolves around collecting and analyzing data regarding wildlife and their habitats; having the technical skills and ability to analyze this data is a must.
What skills will help Wildlife Technicians earn the most?
Abe Woodard: Beyond the amount of experience (years and diversity), soft skills help you earn the most when you first enter the job market.
What soft skills should all Wildlife Technicians possess?
Abe Woodard: Work ethic is important in any field and can be deciding factor within the natural resource profession. Generally speaking, most people underestimate the ability to communicate and develop relationships within our field, but it is a huge part of being a wildlife biologist. As a professional who returned to grad school, I can honestly say that public speaking is a major skill employer look for and will utilize.
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology and Forensic ScienceMaryville University
College of Arts and Sciences
What soft skills should all Wildlife Technicians possess?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: -Ability to work independently
-Ability to work collaboratively
-Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders
-Ability to ask questions
What skills will help Wildlife Technicians earn the most?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: When examining job ads for an entry-level position, as I often see that pay is dependent upon experience. I encourage students to apply for internships to obtain skills outside of research and university laboratory courses. If an internship is not possible, then I encourage students to take as many courses with laboratories as they can to increase their skill level and marketability. Students should look for upper-level biology and chemistry laboratory courses that have tangible skills like biochemistry, quantitative analysis, molecular biology, microbiology, or instrumental analysis. Coding courses are also beneficial for students wanting to apply for jobs involving genomic analysis.
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyPaine College
Department Of Mathematics Sciences & Technology
What soft skills should all Wildlife Technicians possess?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Flexibility, Communication, Leadership, Team work, thorough understanding of underlying concepts for biological principles, etc., are required for Biology students.
What skills will help Wildlife Technicians earn the most?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Both Hard and Soft skills explained above would earn the most.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Wildlife Technicians?
Charles Ruffner Ph.D.: ANY certification for wildland fire fighting, prescribed burn use, soil conservation, etc are all valuable certs to have in one's toolbox. Others include chainsaw use, small engine maintenance like leaf blowers and UTV's .
What technical skills for a Wildlife Technician stand out to employers?
Fin Ouweleen: Regarding technical skills, for the positions I applied for in field biology, most jobs were looking for people that had the most experience specifically for that job, making it hard for someone without that experience to find an entry point into the field. It definitely gives someone an edge if they have writing skills and know some knowledge of coding languages, data sheets, and other software like ArcGIS.