Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
A Ph.D. degree usually is required for independent research, but a masters degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research or product development; a bachelors degree is adequate for some nonresearch jobs. Doctoral degree holders face competition for basic research positions; holders of bachelors or masters degrees in biological science can expect better opportunities in nonresearch positions. Biotechnological research and development will continue to drive employment growth.
On average, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists earn $ 53,300 per year.
Job Opportunities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists are expected to:
Increase as fast as the average.
Biological scientists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. They perform research to gain a better understanding of fundamental life processes or apply that understanding to developing new products or processes. Most specialize in one area of biology, such as zoology (the study of animals) or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms).
Most biological scientists need a Ph.D. degree in biology or one of its subfields to work in research or development positions. A period of postdoctoral work in the laboratory of a senior researcher has become common for biological scientists who intend to conduct research or teach at the university level.
Biological scientists held about 87,000 jobs in 2006. In addition, many biological scientists held biology faculty positions in colleges and universities but are not included in these numbers. Those whose primary work involves teaching and research are considered postsecondary teachers.
