Wildlife Veterinarian

Also called: Conservation Veterinarian

Treats and studies diseases in wild animal populations, often in the field.

A day in the life

Helicopters into the mountains to sedate and collar bighorn sheep, tests deer for chronic wasting disease, and investigates a die-off of birds that might signal avian flu. Works for state agencies, the USGS, or global conservation groups.

Pay over a career

Starting

$80k

Typical

$110k

High

$160k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Professional degree (MD, JD, DVM…), about 10 years after high school. DVM plus wildlife or zoo medicine training; many add an MPH or PhD.

Ways in: Professional school, Graduate school. Training cost: Over $150k.

Majors to look at: Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Pre-Veterinary.

Outlook

Growing much faster than average (about 10% over 10 years). Few positions; very competitive.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI helps with disease surveillance data, but darting, sampling and treating wild animals in the field stays hands-on.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Vet-science CTE.

• Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center (many accept 16+)
• Work as a kennel helper or assistant at a vet clinic
• Attend a pre-vet summer camp at a vet school

Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1131.

More Wildlife & Conservation Biology careers

• Research Wildlife Biologist
• Endangered Species Program Manager
• Conservation Organization Director
• Wildlife Biologist
• Fish & Game Warden
• Wildlife Forensic Scientist
• Ornithologist
• Wildlife Refuge Manager
• Wildlife GIS Analyst
• Wildlife Damage Management Specialist
• Wildlife Technician
• Interpretive Park Ranger
• Wildlife Removal Specialist
• Hunting & Fishing Guide
• Wildlife Photographer
• Wildlife Special Agent
• Wildlife Disease Biologist
• Bat Biologist
• Wildlife Capture Specialist
• Camera Trap Technician
• Bear Management Technician
• Game Bird Farmer
• Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling Technician

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.