Also called: Reptile & Amphibian Biologist
Studies reptiles and amphibians, from rattlesnakes to salamanders.
Wades ponds at night with a headlamp catching frogs to test for a deadly fungus, radio-tracks endangered tortoises in the desert, and studies how venom evolved. Many work at universities, museums, or wildlife agencies.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biology or herpetology for research positions; a master's for agency work.
Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Zoology, Ecology.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). Very small field.
Low risk for 10 years. eDNA and acoustic sensors help find frogs, but catching, tagging and studying reptiles in the field stays hands-on.
Classes: AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1023.
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