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Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in California

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $91,460, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust environmental conservation efforts, extensive research institutions, and a higher demand for specialized ecological expertise within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $91,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $136,970.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,580 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, California presents a substantial, albeit slightly below national average concentration (Location Quotient of 0.8). This indicates a solid presence of professionals in the field, suggesting ongoing demand for their specialized skills in managing and studying the state's diverse ecosystems.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$91,460

The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California earns+25.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$44

Weekly

$1,759

Monthly

$7,622

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles, requiring extensive fieldwork, research, and management experience, command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career and financial advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$51,010$24.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$68,595$33
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$82,620$39.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$114,325$55
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$136,970$65.9

Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$91,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,036

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal salary of $91,460 is attractive, California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that this income is stretched further than in a national average location. Prospective professionals should carefully consider the higher expenses associated with housing, transportation, and daily life when evaluating the true purchasing power of this salary.

Job Market Context

1,580

Total Jobs

0.088

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.80x the national average concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.8 suggests that Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists are slightly less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This indicates that while the state employs a significant number of these professionals, the job market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

CitySalaryDist.
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary$64,990↓ 29%64 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California is $91,460. This typically ranges from $51,010 for entry-level positions to $136,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 25.4% higher than the national median of $72,940.

Is California a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a significantly higher average salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists compared to the national average. However, the high cost of living must be factored into the overall financial attractiveness.

Is California a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($64,990) and others.

What is the average salary for a Zoologist in California?

The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California is $91,460.

How does California's salary compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $91,460 is considerably higher than the national average of $72,940 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.

What is the cost of living in California compared to the national average?

California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is 38.5% higher than the national average of 100.

How concentrated are Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California?

The concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.8, is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,580 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.088 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California