SOC 19-1023 · May 2025 · United States
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists across the United States is $76,780 per year, measured over 18,120 jobs. The highest state median is in Maryland, at $107,500.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Pay for this occupation varies by 118.9% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Maryland pays $107,500 and Texas pays $49,100.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $107,500 | 250 | |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $107,050 | 140 | |
| 3 | California | $98,530 | 2,210 | |
| 4 | Alaska | $90,370 | 650 | |
| 5 | Mississippi | $88,710 | 110 | |
| 6 | Louisiana | $87,460 | 50 | |
| 7 | Oregon | $85,150 | 1,010 | |
| 8 | Hawaii | $84,910 | 170 | |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $84,350 | 470 | |
| 10 | Washington | $83,780 | 1,840 |
States with the most Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 2,210 | $98,530 | |
| 2 | Washington | 1,840 | $83,780 | |
| 3 | Florida | 1,400 | $52,750 | |
| 4 | Oregon | 1,010 | $85,150 | |
| 5 | Colorado | 730 | $83,300 | |
| 6 | Minnesota | 720 | $68,620 | |
| 7 | Alaska | 650 | $90,370 | |
| 8 | Texas | 580 | $49,100 | |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 470 | $84,350 | |
| 10 | Montana | 430 | $78,850 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose | $129,940 | 40 |
| 2 | Santa Cruz | $122,170 | 30 |
| 3 | Gulfport | $113,800 | 30 |
| 4 | Washington | $104,330 | 270 |
| 5 | Baltimore | $99,490 | 100 |
| 6 | San Francisco | $99,230 | 300 |
| 7 | Salem | $98,110 | 80 |
| 8 | Providence | $97,040 | 80 |
| 9 | Seattle | $96,450 | 720 |
| 10 | Worcester | $93,930 | 70 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.