How Much Does a Zoologist With a Doctoral Degree Make Annually?
Zoologists are scientists who specialize in studying animals. Zoologists sometimes choose to focus on a certain animal such as tigers or to study how groups of animals live together in the wild. Most zoologists major in biology or zoology as an undergraduate then move on to obtain a master's and doctoral degree. The average annual salary for a zoologist with a doctoral degree is approximately $56,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although this can vary widely.
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What Jobs are Available?
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Many zoologists with doctoral degrees teach and do research at universities. Most spend at least some time working and studying in a laboratory. Some zoologists work as administrators at zoos or at a wildlife refuge. Zoologists with bachelor's or master's degrees may work as technicians or research assistants.
How Do I Get a Job?
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The best way to get a job as a zoologist is to use connections from your university. Apply at zoos, museums, and wildlife refuges. You might also consider applying for government jobs in research or conservation. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for employment and advancement in the field of zoology.
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How Much Will You Make?
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In 2004, the median income for zoologists was $50,000, according to the StateUniversity.com website. According to this same source, zoologists who worked for the federal government made about $101,000 in 2005. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the bottom 10 percent of zoologists make about $35,000 per year, as of May 2009. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that zoologists with doctoral degrees who work for the federal or state governments tend to make more than those who work for universities or local governments.
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- Photo Credit tiger image by david purday from Fotolia.com