A ferrite carrier for the electrophotographic developer containing 40 to 500 ppm of zirconium; a method for preparing a ferrite carrier for the electrophotographic developer, comprising the steps for weighing, mixing, and pulverizing ferrite raw materials, and for granulating, drying, and firing the obtained slurry; wherein a zirconium raw material is added so that the zirconium content after firing becomes 40 to 500 ppm; and an electrophotographic developer using the ferrite carrier.