How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for a Zoologist

The annual salary range for zookeepers is approximately $28,000 to $49,000, depending on college degree earned, experience and responsibilities. Competition is fierce for even entry-level jobs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Contact zookeepers, curators or directors at a nearby zoo for information about the field.

2. Visit zoo and biological Web sites. Search the Web with keywords like "zoology," "zoologist," and "zookeeper."

3. Realize that a major benefit for a zoologist is being able to work with or for animals, not the salary.

4. Understand that to make a higher income, you may eventually need to become a curator. However, curators do not have close daily contact with the animals.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your writing skills polished. Zoologists can create a second income by writing for journals.
• Remain up-to-date on developments in medicine and technology if you want to have a career as a zoologist.

[shaena88]

on 1/27/2008 i disagree when you say the major benefit for working as a zoologist is the animals and not the salary. salary does matter to me, considering all the work they do. and how much do they make with a ph.d? i live in florida

on 6/30/2006 Make good connections. I know a woman that started working at a zoo when she was 16. She started in ride operations, and worked her way up. Now, with no college education, she works with tigers, orangutans, and other animals. Another great way to get started is to volunteer.