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Zoologists

Life, Physical & Social Sciencesmediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +5%
Median Wage: $68,880
Employment: 18K

Overall Exposure

35+13

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

52

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

18

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

24

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

35→50
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

52→67
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

18→31
+13

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

24→35
+11

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
20232238815actual
202428441319actual
202535521824actual
202641582328estimated
202746632732estimated
202850673135estimated

Task Breakdown

Collect and analyze biological data on animal populations
52%β 1
Conduct field studies and observe animal behavior in natural habitats
15%β 0
Write research papers and grant proposals
55%β 1
Use statistical software to model population dynamics
62%β 1
Develop conservation plans for endangered species
30%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Zoologist, AI is gradually changing your profession. With an automation risk of 24/100 and overall exposure at 35%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is using statistical software to model population dynamics at 62% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role where AI assists rather than replaces. BLS projects +5% growth through 2034. AI-powered image recognition and tracking tools are enhancing field research capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 24%, Zoologists has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Zoologists is 24% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 35%, with 52% theoretical exposure and 18% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +9 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Zoologists are: Use statistical software to model population dynamics (62%), Write research papers and grant proposals (55%), Collect and analyze biological data on animal populations (52%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +5% employment change for Zoologists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 35%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Zoologists should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Published evergreen blog post analyzing AI impact on zookeepers: 35% exposure, 24% automation risk.

[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]