Entry Level Salary
$30,123
Median Salary
$102,938
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
20.9%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,117,520
Entry (Early)
$30,123
Median (Prime)
$102,938
High (Prime)
$115,382
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-186k
+431k
+531k
$25k / yr
-276k
+341k
+441k
$50k / yr
-366k
+251k
+351k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
24
$25k / yr
Never
29
27
$50k / yr
Never
33
31
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-254%
314%
406%
$50k / yr
-168%
115%
161%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate60.4%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Physicians
13.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$12,744
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$321,553|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%
Postsecondary teachers
4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,734
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,963|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Dentists
3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$185,288
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$176,854|$176,110
openings
4,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
Veterinarians
3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$28,940
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$130,100
openings
3,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.4%
Management occupations
3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$10,200
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$114,698|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Biological scientists
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,343
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,388|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$13,903
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,197|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Animal caretakers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$27,206
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,364|$35,360
openings
62,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12.1%
Physical scientists, all other
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,655
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Registered nurses
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$28,964
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$92,644|$97,550
openings
180,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| zoology/animal biology. | Associate's Degree | 4 | $34,635 - $34,635 |
| zoology/animal biology. | Bachelor's Degree | 78 | $34,823 - $69,471 |
| zoology/animal biology. | Master's Degree | 45 | $59,671 - $76,344 |
| zoology/animal biology. | Doctoral Degree | 39 | $80,719 - $94,713 |