Zoologists and wildlife biologists
SOC Code: 19-1023
Zoologists and wildlife biologists carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $72,860 and +1.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 18,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Zoologists and wildlife biologists (SOC 19-1023) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 18,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $72,860, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Zoologists and wildlife biologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. 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.
- 2. Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- 3. Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- 4. Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- 5. Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- 6. 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.
- 7. Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- 8. Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- 9. Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- 10. Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Science
- Coordination
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Biology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Geography
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Zoologists and wildlife biologists?
Zoologists and wildlife biologists has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Zoologists and wildlife biologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow by 1.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 18,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Zoologists and wildlife biologists?
Key skills for Zoologists and wildlife biologists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Zoologists and wildlife biologists earn?
The median annual wage for Zoologists and wildlife biologists is $72,860, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Zoologists and wildlife biologists?
The typical entry-level education for Zoologists and wildlife biologists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Zoologists and wildlife biologists?
Zoologists and wildlife biologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).