Re: If I would become a Zoololgist what salary range would I expect?

I found salaries for two main jobs while looking at zoology, which 
incidentally is what my degree is in.  An actual zoologist is a scientist 
who studies animals.  This requires long hours of fieldwork, followed by 
long hours in the laboratory.  A bachelor's degree may get you in the door, 
but most zoologists, and certainly those making larger salaries, work for 
universities, researching and publishing articles.  They need to have a 
higher level of education, most probably a doctorate.  

The US Army Corps of Engineers is looking for a biologist at $ 27,185 TO $ 52,305. 
 http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs/TJ4581.HTM

Another site, for New Zealand, gives a chart listing different salary 
ranges and the number of zoologists receiving them.  The salaries range 
from less than $10,000 to over $70,000.  Of course, these are in Australian money. 
dollars, but it gives you the idea that salaries can vary immensely. http://www.careers.co.nz/jobs/6b_lif/j26233d.htm

According to http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/NatSci/html/Zoology.html 
average starting salary:  $ 28,000
 average salary after 5 years: $ 36,000
 average salary after 10 to 15 years:  $ 49,000

but this site is really talking about zookeepers.  That is another field 
you might want to look into.  Living in FL gives you an advantage; one of 
only two teaching zoos in the entire US is located in Gainesville, FL, run 
by Santa Fe Communty College.  A personal friend of mine graduated from 
this school and now works for Disney's Animal Kingdom.

In either case, you may be able to get an entry level job in your field 
with a bachelor's degree, but for promotion many employers will look for a 
Master's degree or higher.  Continuing education will important throughout 
a career such as this, whether as a zookeeper or a zoologist. 

I would highly recommend getting some sort of hands-on experience.  Try 
volunteering at a zoo or wildlife rehab center.  You might also want to 
become a kennel worker for a local veterinarian.   

While you're at it, investigate careers as a veterinary technician, a dog 
groomer, or an animal trainer.  Good luck!

Your mad scientist, 
S. Kohler