An Ecologist’s job is ultimately that of a scientist, one whose observations and responsibilities span several interconnected fields from environmental science to natural resource management. The exact amount of education differs based on the kind of work you’d like to do, but at the minimum this career path requires a bachelor’s degree, typically in one of the natural sciences: biology, ecology, forestry, or a similar field. While in school, find an internship or class that teaches geographic information systems (GIS) or data modeling skills. Upon graduation, you’ll want to further develop your practical research qualifications — seek research assistant opportunities or lab positions with entry-level duties. Ecologists can find work at organizations such as nonprofits, the private sector, and the government. Pursuing a master’s degree in a related field may open more of these research-based opportunities. Independent research or a faculty placement requires a doctoral degree.

If you are interested in a job related to Ecologist, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Ecologist Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Ecologist positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Stream Ecologist
Salary range: $37,500 - $74,000
Stream Ecologist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Stream Ecologist jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Stream Ecologist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Wetland Ecology
Salary range: $37,500 - $74,000
Wetland Ecology is a typical job search query Most salaries for Wetland Ecology jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Wetland Ecology job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Wetland Ecologist
Salary range: $37,500 - $74,000
Wetland Ecologist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Wetland Ecologist jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Wetland Ecologist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Wildlife Survey
Salary range: $50,500 - $75,000
Remote Wildlife Survey is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Wildlife Survey jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $75,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Remote Wildlife Survey job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Field Ecologist
Salary range: $37,500 - $56,500
Field Ecologist is a common job search query. Most salaries for Field Ecologist jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $56,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Field Ecologist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Plant Ecologist
Salary range: $37,500 - $74,000
Plant Ecologist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Plant Ecologist jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Plant Ecologist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Biologist Wetland Delineation
Salary range: $59,500 - $121,000
Biologist Wetland Delineation is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Biologist Wetland Delineation jobs pay between $59,500 (25th percentile) and $121,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Biologist Wetland Delineation job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Ecological Survey
Salary range: $50,500 - $75,000
Ecological Survey is a typical job search query Most salaries for Ecological Survey jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $75,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ecological Survey job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Wildlife Consultants
Salary range: $45,500 - $69,500
Remote Wildlife Consultants is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Wildlife Consultants jobs pay between $45,500 (25th percentile) and $69,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Remote Wildlife Consultants job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Urban Ecology
Salary range: $59,000 - $84,500
Urban Ecology is a typical job search query Most salaries for Urban Ecology jobs pay between $59,000 (25th percentile) and $84,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Urban Ecology job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

All Jobs Ecologist Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Ecologist Jobs in 2026