Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the United States was $76,780 ($36.91 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $49,100 | $23.61 |
| 25th | $61,180 | $29.41 |
| Median | $76,780 | $36.91 |
| 75th | $96,100 | $46.20 |
| 90th | $126,440 | $60.79 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-1023
- Total U.S. employment: 18,120
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
Reading the data
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $49,100, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $126,440 — a 2.6x gap between entry-level and top earners.
With approximately 18,120 zoologists and wildlife biologists employed, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $74,290 | $35.71 | -3.2% | 290 |
| Alaska | $90,370 | $43.45 | +17.7% | 650 |
| Arizona | $66,880 | $32.15 | -12.9% | 410 |
| California | $98,530 | $47.37 | +28.3% | 2,210 |
| Colorado | $83,300 | $40.05 | +8.5% | 730 |
| Connecticut | $77,300 | $37.16 | +0.7% | 110 |
| District of Columbia | $107,050 | $51.46 | +39.4% | 140 |
| Florida | $52,750 | $25.36 | -31.3% | 1,400 |
| Georgia | $66,210 | $31.83 | -13.8% | 200 |
| Hawaii | $84,910 | $40.82 | +10.6% | 170 |
| Idaho | $73,360 | $35.27 | -4.5% | 380 |
| Illinois | $79,780 | $38.36 | +3.9% | 250 |
| Indiana | $54,670 | $26.28 | -28.8% | 120 |
| Iowa | $83,000 | $39.91 | +8.1% | 90 |
| Kansas | $66,440 | $31.94 | -13.5% | 160 |
| Kentucky | $61,950 | $29.79 | -19.3% | 150 |
| Louisiana | $87,460 | $42.05 | +13.9% | 50 |
| Maine | $74,490 | $35.81 | -3.0% | 330 |
| Maryland | $107,500 | $51.68 | +40.0% | 250 |
| Massachusetts | $84,350 | $40.55 | +9.9% | 470 |
| Michigan | $79,150 | $38.05 | +3.1% | 330 |
| Minnesota | $68,620 | $32.99 | -10.6% | 720 |
| Mississippi | $88,710 | $42.65 | +15.5% | 110 |
| Missouri | $76,400 | $36.73 | -0.5% | 120 |
| Montana | $78,850 | $37.91 | +2.7% | 430 |
| Nebraska | $57,890 | $27.83 | -24.6% | 140 |
| Nevada | $75,180 | $36.14 | -2.1% | 190 |
| New Hampshire | $73,560 | $35.37 | -4.2% | 40 |
| New Jersey | $83,030 | $39.92 | +8.1% | 90 |
| New Mexico | $68,220 | $32.80 | -11.1% | 170 |
| New York | $82,640 | $39.73 | +7.6% | 370 |
| North Carolina | $64,620 | $31.07 | -15.8% | 350 |
| North Dakota | $81,330 | $39.10 | +5.9% | 100 |
| Ohio | $74,550 | $35.84 | -2.9% | 220 |
| Oklahoma | $62,730 | $30.16 | -18.3% | 120 |
| Oregon | $85,150 | $40.94 | +10.9% | 1,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,540 | $37.76 | +2.3% | 200 |
| South Carolina | $64,090 | $30.81 | -16.5% | 250 |
| South Dakota | $65,890 | $31.68 | -14.2% | 170 |
| Tennessee | $73,570 | $35.37 | -4.2% | 310 |
| Texas | $49,100 | $23.61 | -36.1% | 580 |
| Utah | $73,920 | $35.54 | -3.7% | 370 |
| Vermont | $79,620 | $38.28 | +3.7% | 70 |
| Virginia | $72,340 | $34.78 | -5.8% | 290 |
| Washington | $83,780 | $40.28 | +9.1% | 1,840 |
| Wisconsin | $68,370 | $32.87 | -11.0% | 360 |
| Wyoming | $74,150 | $35.65 | -3.4% | 320 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists?
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists is $76,780 ($36.91 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays zoologists and wildlife biologists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many zoologists and wildlife biologists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 18,120 zoologists and wildlife biologists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $36.91. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.