Annual Salary
£18,000 to £35,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Ornithologists study the behaviour, ecology, classification and conservation of birds and their habitats.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
There will be
2.4% more Ornithologist jobs in 2027.
Your day-to-day duties could include:
You could work in the countryside.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
You can get into this job through:
Most ornithologists have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject like:
You may need a postgraduate qualification for some jobs.
You'll usually need:
Relevant experience is increasingly important, and you may be able to get this by becoming a volunteer or seasonal warden with organisations like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology.
You'll need a British Trust for Ornithology ringing permit and experience as a birdwatcher to become a bird warden.
You can register with the British Ornithologists' Union, which has study resources for students and professionals, and information about help with course funding.
You can find out more about becoming an ornithologist from the British Ornithologists' Union.
With experience you might become a supervisor.
You'll need: