Zoologyat San Francisco State University
Graduates earn $41,565/yr in their first year — about 46.0% above the national Zoology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $560K; scenarios range from $513K to $567K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at SF State
Your strong outcomes in Zoology/Animal Biology at SF State reflect a unique advantage: the San Francisco Bay Area's diverse ecosystem of employers. Beyond traditional wildlife roles, you'll find opportunities with numerous biotech firms requiring biological expertise, conservation organizations like the Audubon Society or local nature centers, and even government agencies focused on environmental policy and research. The program's reputation likely helps graduates secure internships and entry-level positions in these competitive regional markets, leading to quicker career progression into management or specialized scientific roles that demand nuanced problem-solving. While some data collection or basic analysis tasks face automation risk, the strategic thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on fieldwork central to many advanced biological science careers remain indispensable. To thrive, prioritize building strong quantitative skills and seek out internships that blend field experience with lab work or data management.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to SF State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Zoology
How SF State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at SF State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at SF State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Zoology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Zoology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Zoology at SF State
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology at San Francisco State University?
At 51/100, San Francisco State University's Zoology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Zoology at San Francisco State University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is San Francisco State University one of the best schools for Zoology?
Among 55 Zoology programs, San Francisco State University's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.