How hard is it to become a zoologist?

It is hard to become a zoologist. However, If you have a strong interest in animals and science, becoming a zoologist may be one of the most interesting and rewarding hard things you ever do.

What are the pros and cons of being a zoologist?

The pros of being a zoologist are working with animals and job satisfaction, while the cons include extensive education requirements and a difficult job market. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being a zoologist:

What companies hire zoologists?

Companies in higher education, zoos, and state and federal agencies hire zoologists. People who are interested in working in research and education may choose to pursue a doctorate degree in zoology to research and teach at universities. However, many other zoologists go on to work for zoos and aquariums, like the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Central Park Zoo in New York City.

What degree do you need to work at an aquarium?

You need a bachelor's degree in marine biology to work at an aquarium. Bachelor's degrees in zoology or another related field are also acceptable. If you want to be a marine biologist at an aquarium, you should also get a master's and possibly a Ph.D. in marine biology.

What should I study to become a zoologist?

You should study animal science and zoology to become a zoologist. In addition to zoology, there are a number of other bachelor's degrees that may help obtain work as an entry-level zoologist.

How To Become A Zoologist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a zoologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Keng-Lou Hung

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a zoologist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $26.07 an hour? That's $54,222 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 100 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a zoologist?

Dr. Keng-Lou Hung

Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma

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.

ScoreZoologistUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $54,222

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.58%

Asian 11.13%

Black or African American 2.31%

Hispanic or Latino 6.35%

Unknown 4.95%

White 74.69%

Gender

female 63.16%

male 36.84%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a zoologist

Explore zoologist education requirements

Most common zoologist degrees

Bachelor's

64.3 %

Master's

28.6 %

High School Diploma

3.6 %

Complete relevant zoologist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New zoologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a zoologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real zoologist resumes.

Research zoologist duties and responsibilities

Obtain coordinates (waypoints using GPS) and photograph native and sensitive flora potentially impact through construction activities.
Research concentrate on biological oceanography, marine ecology and the physical anatomy and behavior of marine mammals and birds.
Collect blood, tissue, and gonad samples and extract DNA for polymerase chain reaction for further physiological research.
Maintain and implement Bio-security and disinfection stations and procedures.

Prepare your zoologist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your zoologist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a zoologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable zoologist resume templates

Build a professional zoologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your zoologist resume.