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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do population biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for population biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical daily tasks and responsibilities for a Population Biologist?

Population Biologists typically split their time between fieldwork—such as collecting data on species abundance and distribution—and analyzing results in the lab or office using statistical and modeling tools. They often collaborate with other scientists, environmental agencies, and conservation organizations to interpret data and develop strategies for managing wildlife populations. Tasks may include designing and conducting surveys, publishing research, and presenting findings to stakeholders. This role also frequently involves writing grant proposals and participating in long-term monitoring projects. The variety of tasks ensures a dynamic work environment with opportunities to impact conservation policy and practice.

Is wildlife biology in high demand?

Wildlife biology is a specialized field within ecology, and demand varies by region and conservation needs. Employment opportunities are often competitive and may require advanced degrees, fieldwork skills, and knowledge of environmental policies. Job growth is generally steady but depends on funding and environmental priorities.

What is the highest paid job in biology?

In biology, the highest paid roles are often senior research scientists, biomedical directors, or biotech executives, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, often within pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industries.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

Population biologists with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn over $100,000 annually, especially in roles such as research scientists, environmental consultants, or senior project managers in government agencies or private industry. Higher salaries often require experience, advanced certifications, and proficiency with data analysis tools like R or GIS.

What is a Population Biologist job?

A Population Biologist studies the dynamics of species populations, including their size, distribution, and interactions with the environment. They analyze factors such as birth and death rates, genetic variation, and ecological influences to understand population trends. Their work helps with conservation efforts, wildlife management, and assessing human impact on ecosystems. Population Biologists often use statistical models and field research to predict changes and recommend policies for species protection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Population Biologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Population Biologist, you need a solid background in ecology, statistics, and data analysis, usually backed by a degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with data modeling software (such as R or Python), GIS tools, and sometimes specific certifications in wildlife or environmental management is typical. Strong observational skills, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are important soft skills. These abilities are critical for accurately analyzing population trends, informing conservation efforts, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What does a population biologist do?

A population biologist studies the dynamics, structure, and changes of populations of organisms in their natural environments. They analyze factors such as birth rates, death rates, migration, and environmental impacts, often using statistical tools and fieldwork to inform conservation and management efforts.
More about Population Biologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Population Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Population Biologist job openings:
What states have the most Population Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Population Biologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Population Biologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Population Biologist jobs are:
Population Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Population Biologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Locum Tenens, 4% Internship, 31% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

Supervisory Research Fish Biologist

Work with us | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Woods Hole, MA

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Vacancies may be available in each listed location. Additional duty locations are listed for future vacancies and/or vacancies that may be filled at a later date. Please select locations for which you want to be considered.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 0482 series:
EDUCATION:

Degree: Applicants must show that they have a degree with major study in biology, zoology, or biological oceanography that included at least 30 semester hours in biological and aquatic science and 15 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences. This course work must have included:

  • At least 15 semester hours of preparatory training in zoology beyond introductory biology or zoology in such courses as invertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology, advanced vertebrate zoology, genetics, entomology, and parasitology; and
  • At least 6 semester hours of training applicable to fishery biology in such subjects as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, oceanography, algology, planktonology, marine or fresh water ecology, invertebrate ecology, principles of fishery population dynamics, or related course work in the field of fishery biology; and
  • At least 15 semester hours of training in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, or statistics.


-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Coordinating and directing a research program or project involving marine ecosystem or fisheries science;
  • Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting marine science data; and
  • Overseeing staff in a leadership capacity in areas such as in assigning work, setting priorities, providing feedback on work assignments, providing feedback regarding overall employee performance, etc.
Education:

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.
College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER

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