Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia
Considering working as a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia? Here’s what the data says. Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
What do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Make in Virginia?
For a zoologists and wildlife biologists working in Virginia, the median annual wage is $66,550 per year (or about $32.00/hour).Pay can range from $47,810 at the 10th percentile to $102,860 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,810 | $22.99 |
| 25th percentile | $49,530 | $23.81 |
| Median (50th) | $66,550 | $32.00 |
| 75th percentile | $83,030 | $39.92 |
| 90th percentile | $102,860 | $49.45 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Virginia nationwide is 0.82, indicating fewer zoologists and wildlife biologists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, zoologists and wildlife biologists earn a median of $55,554 per year ($26.71/hour), higher than the Virginia median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 161,149 zoologists and wildlife biologists in the U.S.. In Virginia alone, around 370 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 210 zoologists and wildlife biologists.
Top Virginia Metros for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
These are the Virginia metros with the most zoologists and wildlife biologists in Virginia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 130 | $70,700 |
| Richmond, VA | 50 | $71,700 |
Top States for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most zoologists and wildlife biologists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Washington | 1,800 |
| California | 1,580 |
| Florida | 1,210 |
| Oregon | 970 |
| Colorado | 780 |
| Alaska | 690 |
| Texas | 550 |
| Minnesota | 490 |
| Arizona | 410 |
| Wisconsin | 400 |
| Wyoming | 400 |
| Montana | 370 |
| Virginia | 370 |
| Utah | 350 |
| North Carolina | 350 |
| Michigan | 320 |
| Massachusetts | 320 |
| Ohio | 310 |
| Idaho | 310 |
| Alabama | 310 |
Highest-Paying States for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Where zoologists and wildlife biologists earn the most: zoologists and wildlife biologists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $97,050 |
| Massachusetts | $88,550 |
| Mississippi | $87,050 |
| Louisiana | $85,840 |
| Oregon | $85,150 |
| Alaska | $84,640 |
| California | $82,620 |
| Maryland | $82,600 |
| North Dakota | $82,150 |
| Washington | $82,050 |
Skills
Top zoologists and wildlife biologists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for zoologists and wildlife biologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Conduct literature reviews.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
Work Activities
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: ESRI ArcGIS software, Microsoft Access In-demand technologies: ESRI ArcGIS software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Ecology & Systematics Biology
- Zoology
- Wildlife Management
- Marine Science
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to zoologists and wildlife biologists include:
- Animal Scientists
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Microbiologists
- Biologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Range Managers
Also Known As
Animal Behaviorist, Animal Biologist, Aquarist, Aquatic Biologist, Behaviorist, Cell Biologist, Conservation Biologist, Cryptozoologist, Dolphin Researcher, Entomologist, Ethologist, Field Naturalist, Fish Biologist, Fish Conservationist, Fish Culturist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-1023.00
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