SOC 191023

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

National Median

$72,860

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$72,860

Entry Level (10th pct)

$48,240

Experienced (90th pct)

$113,350

Total Employed

16,920

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$48,240 - $58,360
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$58,360 - $90,590
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$90,590 - $113,350

Highest Paying Locations for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

$121,890

+67.3% vs national

Gulfport-Biloxi, MS

$113,030

+55.1% vs national

Salem, OR

$98,110

+34.7% vs national

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

$97,810

+34.2% vs national

Rhode Island

$97,050

+33.2% vs national

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$121,890	230
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS	$113,030	30
Salem, OR	$98,110	80
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$97,810	260
Rhode Island	$97,050	50
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA	$94,370	50
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA	$93,640	180
Bellingham, WA	$90,950	30
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	$90,900	160
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$90,620	50
Bismarck, ND	$88,820	40
Massachusetts	$88,550	320
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA	$88,360	90
Worcester, MA	$87,910	60
Alaska nonmetropolitan area	$87,660	400
Mississippi	$87,050	120
Upper Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area	$87,050	50
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$86,960	730
Northern Michigan nonmetropolitan area	$86,940	50
Kennewick-Richland, WA	$86,200	50
Louisiana	$85,840	50
Corvallis, OR	$85,150	100
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area	$85,150	190
Oregon	$85,150	970
Alaska	$84,640	690
Central Oregon nonmetropolitan area	$84,640	90
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA	$84,270	50
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA	$84,180	360
Fairbanks-College, AK	$83,510	100
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	$83,100	240
Redding, CA	$83,010	30
California	$82,620	1,580
Maryland	$82,600	270
Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area	$82,220	140
West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area	$82,220	30
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$82,200	110
North Dakota	$82,150	100
Washington	$82,050	1,800
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA	$82,050	70
Bozeman, MT	$81,880	40
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA	$81,740	250
Medford, OR	$81,140	30
Iowa	$80,590	100
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	$80,240	180
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY	$80,240	70
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area	$80,100	120
Yakima, WA	$80,100	40
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA	$80,100	40
Northwestern Idaho nonmetropolitan area	$80,040	40
Bend, OR	$79,790	50

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

The national median annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is $72,860, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median salary of $121,890.

How much can an experienced Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make?

Top-earning Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss (90th percentile) make $113,350 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.