Zoology is a field often overlooked, but if taken a second look, it holds some really great potential, as this discipline has some really good, high-paying job opportunities for people who study it.
In this article, we’ve used current information and insights to bring out the highest-earning zoology jobs for you to leverage.
The zoology field, unlike other disciplines, focuses more on wildlife, so it depends on what your choice is: either working in a zoo around animals or conducting research about them in the lab.
Snake Venom Milker
Average pay: $24,000 each year.
High pay: $55,000 each year.
Snake venom is what snakes use to kill their prey, and the same venom can also be used for research purposes. Snake venom consists of toxins.
A snake’s venom Milker’s job is to help researchers have access to this venom, especially the ones from species that are quite rare.
In order to obtain a job in this field, employers look for employees who have a background in either biology or chemistry.
You have to be knowledgeable when it comes to things like snakes and handling reptiles. Experience in animal control techniques like restraint and immobilization is also highly needed.
Snake venom milkers are found mostly in places like laboratories, zoos, and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Wildlife
Average pay: $36,000 each year.
High pay: $78,000 each year.
Wildlife biologists are known zoologists who embark on fieldwork and undergo a concrete study of wildlife. They create a necessary link between research and conservation. Experts in wildlife work make sure that animals are better protected in their natural habitats.
To be a wildlife biologist, you’ll have to possess an undergraduate degree in zoology or an advanced degree in wildlife biology. Employers usually employ people who are comfortable working outdoors.
However, you can get the needed training via an internship or apprenticeship program, but you’ll need to run an undergraduate program in order to advance in the field.
People who intend to work in the wildlife industry work in places like zoos and aquariums.
Marine mammal trainer
Average pay: $20,500 each year.
High pay: $92,000 each year.
A marine mammal trainer is literally someone who specializes in animal behavior. They work with different marine mammals such as dolphins, sea lions, and whales to inculcate behaviors in them that can be useful in terms of entertainment and research.
You really do not need any formal degree to become an animal trainer, although it can help. So many marine mammal trainers possess a bachelor’s degree in marine biology.
Even if you don’t need a degree to become a marine mammal trainer, you still need certifications to show that you’ve been trained in that aspect.
People who aspire to work in this field are likely to work in places like aquariums, amusement parks, and research centers that study marine mammal biology.
Ecologists
Average pay: $40,000 each year.
High pay: $78,000 each year.
Ecologists are science practitioners who specialize in studying the relationship between various organisms and their environment.
They take the time to study the ecosystems and their changing nature, focusing on how the various changes in climate affect the lives of plants and animals within them.
Ecologists make use of diverse methods for their research, including computer modeling, field observation, and experimentation.
To become an ecologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in ecology or any related discipline like animal biology. Ecological experts may also have a master’s degree.
They are expected to be able to analyze data, interpret different results, and disseminate their findings in a manner that is understandable by the public.
Biology Teachers
Average pay: $35,000 each year
High pay: $82,000 each year
People who teach biology in schools are professionals who teach biology or other related science subjects. One of their duties is to instruct students on how to relate scientific principles to their education of living organisms and the environment around them.
People who aspire to become biology teachers need to have at least a bachelor’s degree, either in biology or education, that is meant to train potential teachers.
However, to advance or go further in the profession, a master’s degree in education is needed.
Areas where biology teachers are likely to work are in either public or private schools. They can also work in higher places like universities and colleges.
Conservation biologist
Average pay: $18,000 each year
High pay: $106,000
Conservation biologists bear the responsibility of protecting wildlife and ecosystems. One of their duties is to conduct different research projects to discover ways to help species that are endangered.
To get a job as a conservation biologist, a bachelor’s degree in environmental science will be enough to get employed as a starter in the field. To advance your career, it’s also advised that you get a master’s degree in the discipline.
Places where conservation biologists are likely to work are places like the zoo, aquarium, government agencies, and various non-profit organizations.
Animal nutritionist
An animal nutritionist has the responsibility of deciding the nutritional basis of animals in the zoo and other centers where animals are kept. They run research projects to decide what kind of food a particular animal needs, how much it needs, and whether there are any nutritional deficiencies.
They also work hand in hand with veterinary experts to make sure that animals are fed the right way.
People who intend to go into this job must have passion and experience taking care of animals. The job requires working with different kinds of animals and good communication skills.
To work in this position, you will need training and hands-on experience. However, internship opportunities are numerous for people who want to gain experience in the field.
Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can then apply for jobs and set up different interviews. However, you should have great communication skills and be able to present yourself in a professional manner to land jobs.
