Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$72,860
~$35/hr · ~$6,072/mo
US Jobs
18K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
This occupation is a hybrid of physical fieldwork and digital knowledge work. AI significantly impacts the data-heavy aspects of the job, such as analyzing GIS data, processing camera trap imagery, and modeling population dynamics, but it cannot replace the physical requirements of collecting biological specimens, handling wild animals, or navigating remote outdoor environments.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MSBEST VALUE | $113,030 | Below avg (88.9) | $127,173 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $121,890 | Above avg (109.5) | $111,271 |
| Bismarck, ND | $88,820 | Below avg (89.4) | $99,402 |
| Salem, OR | $98,110 | Average (102.5) | $95,755 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $94,370 | Above avg (107.4) | $87,851 |
| Bellingham, WA | $90,950 | Above avg (104.0) | $87,442 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $86,200 | Average (98.9) | $87,172 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $88,360 | Average (101.5) | $87,045 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $77,380 | Below avg (90.6) | $85,417 |
| Worcester, MA | $87,910 | Average (103.0) | $85,364 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $93,640 | Above avg (110.7) | $84,558 |
| Columbus, OH | $79,730 | Below avg (94.6) | $84,254 |
| Cleveland, OH | $77,500 | Below avg (92.9) | $83,415 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $78,590 | Below avg (94.2) | $83,408 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $90,900 | Above avg (109.1) | $83,325 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+2% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$35/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,072/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)