How much does a Wildlife Biologist make?
Wildlife biologists study animals and their environments. They work to protect and understand wildlife. This job can be very rewarding. The average yearly salary for a wildlife biologist is $66,856. This means most people in this job earn between $36,000 and $119,903 each year.
The salary can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn more. Urban areas may offer higher salaries than rural areas. Some wildlife biologists work for the government, while others work for private companies or non-profits. Each of these paths can affect the salary. The most experienced biologists, in the top 10%, earn over $104,648 a year. This shows that with time and dedication, the salary can grow.
What are the highest paying cities for a Wildlife Biologist?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $116,540
In San Francisco, professionals in this field work with organizations like the Bay Area National Wildlife Refuges. They focus on protecting and managing wildlife in urban and natural environments. The city offers diverse ecosystems, from the bay to the hills, providing rich opportunities for research.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $105,273
Portland is known for its green spaces and commitment to conservation. Wildlife experts here collaborate with groups such as the Audubon Society of Portland. They study and protect the region's diverse wildlife, from birds to marine life. The city's focus on sustainability creates a supportive environment for wildlife research.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Portland, OR
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $104,083
In Washington, DC, wildlife biologists often work with federal agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They contribute to national conservation efforts and policy development. The city's blend of urban and natural areas offers a unique setting for wildlife studies.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Washington, DC
-
Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $95,074
Honolulu provides a tropical setting for wildlife experts. They work with organizations such as the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. They focus on marine life and endangered species. The island's unique ecosystems and biodiversity make it an exciting place for research and conservation.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Honolulu, HI
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $93,566
Sacramento offers a mix of urban and rural environments for wildlife professionals. They collaborate with state agencies like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They work on protecting native species and managing wildlife habitats. The city's diverse landscapes provide rich opportunities for research and conservation.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $91,799
San Diego is home to the renowned San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. Wildlife biologists here work with these institutions and local conservation groups. They focus on marine and terrestrial wildlife. The city's coastal and desert environments offer diverse habitats for study and protection.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $90,938
Seattle offers a mix of urban and natural environments. Wildlife biologists work with organizations like the Seattle Aquarium and local conservation groups. They focus on marine and terrestrial wildlife. The city's green spaces and commitment to sustainability create a supportive environment for wildlife research.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $87,891
In Los Angeles, wildlife experts work with organizations like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. They focus on protecting and managing wildlife in urban and natural settings. The city's diverse ecosystems, from beaches to mountains, provide rich opportunities for research.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $83,712
Albuquerque offers a mix of desert and urban environments. Wildlife biologists work with local conservation groups and the Bureau of Land Management. They focus on protecting native species and managing wildlife habitats. The city's unique landscapes provide diverse opportunities for research.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Albuquerque, NM
-
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $80,288
Anchorage provides a unique setting for wildlife experts. They work with organizations like the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. They focus on protecting and managing wildlife in Alaska's diverse ecosystems. The city's proximity to wilderness areas offers rich opportunities for research and conservation.
Find Wildlife Biologist jobs in Anchorage, AK
What are the best companies a Wildlife Biologist can work for?

-
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Average Salary: $101,703
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers exciting opportunities for Wildlife Biologists. They work across the country to protect and manage wildlife and their habitats. Locations include major cities and rural areas.
-
ICF
Average Salary: $101,086
ICF provides Wildlife Biologists with diverse projects. They focus on environmental consulting, working on projects nationwide. ICF offers a chance to make a significant impact on wildlife conservation.
-
Arcadis
Average Salary: $86,661
Arcadis is a global company that offers Wildlife Biologists the chance to work on environmental projects. They focus on sustainability and work in various locations, including urban and rural areas.
-
U.S. National Park Service
Average Salary: $86,424
The U.S. National Park Service offers rewarding positions for Wildlife Biologists. They work to protect and manage wildlife in national parks across the country. Locations include some of the most beautiful natural areas in the U.S.
-
GEI Consultants
Average Salary: $77,432
GEI Consultants provides Wildlife Biologists with opportunities to work on environmental projects. They focus on consulting and work in various locations, offering a chance to contribute to wildlife conservation.
-
Petco
Average Salary: $73,238
Petco offers Wildlife Biologists the chance to work on projects related to animal care and conservation. They focus on pet care and work in various locations, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife health.
-
State of Washington
Average Salary: $72,265
The State of Washington offers Wildlife Biologists the chance to work on state-level conservation projects. They focus on protecting and managing wildlife in Washington, providing a chance to make a significant impact.
-
State of New Mexico
Average Salary: $59,981
The State of New Mexico offers Wildlife Biologists the chance to work on state-level conservation projects. They focus on protecting and managing wildlife in New Mexico, providing a chance to contribute to wildlife conservation.
-
State of Alaska
Average Salary: $59,974
The State of Alaska offers Wildlife Biologists the chance to work on state-level conservation projects. They focus on protecting and managing wildlife in Alaska, providing a unique opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful natural areas.
-
Missouri Department of Conservation
Average Salary: $55,504
The Missouri Department of Conservation offers Wildlife Biologists the chance to work on state-level conservation projects. They focus on protecting and managing wildlife in Missouri, providing a chance to contribute to wildlife conservation.
How to earn more as a Wildlife Biologist?
Wildlife biologists can find many ways to increase their earnings. This field offers diverse opportunities for those willing to explore them. By focusing on certain strategies, professionals can enhance their income and career satisfaction.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a wildlife biologist:
- Advanced Education: Earning a master's or Ph.D. can lead to higher-paying positions. These advanced degrees often open doors to research roles and leadership positions.
- Specialization: Focusing on a niche area, such as marine biology or conservation genetics, can make a biologist more valuable. Specialization often leads to higher-paying jobs and more research opportunities.
- Experience: Gaining experience through internships, fieldwork, and projects can boost earning potential. Experienced biologists are more likely to secure higher-paying positions and promotions.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities and higher salaries. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can open doors to better-paying roles.
- Skills Development: Learning new skills, such as GIS mapping or statistical analysis, can increase earning potential. These skills make a biologist more versatile and valuable to employers.



