Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Colorado
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado earn an impressive average annual salary of $82,340, substantially exceeding the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Colorado's unique ecological landscape and the specialized conservation efforts required within the state, creating a higher demand for these skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,790.
- Outlook: Colorado's job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 780 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.47 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado earns+12.9%above the national average.
$39.6
$1,583
$6,862
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing environmental awareness, conservation initiatives, and the need for expert ecological management likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a significant salary gap that signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $56,020 | $26.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,755 | $29.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $77,320 | $37.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $102,925 | $49.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $114,790 | $55.2 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,047
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $82,340 in Colorado presents a favorable financial picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While slightly above the national average, the higher salary largely compensates for the increased cost of living, suggesting that purchasing power for these professionals remains strong in the state.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
0.271
Per 1K Jobs
2.47
Location Quotient
Colorado has 2.5x the national concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.47, Colorado demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where these professionals are in higher demand relative to the general workforce, offering unique career opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $84,070↑ 2% | 54 mi |
| Boulder, CO Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $84,260↑ 2% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado is $82,340. This typically ranges from $56,020 for entry-level positions to $114,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 12.9% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, Colorado is a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $82,340 significantly surpasses the national average, and the high concentration of these roles suggests strong demand and specialized opportunities within the state.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($84,070) and Boulder, CO.
How does Colorado's salary for Zoologists compare to the national average?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado earn an average of $82,340 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $72,940.
What is the concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado?
Colorado has a concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists that is 2.47 times the national average, indicating a significant presence of these professionals in the state.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary?
Colorado's cost of living is 5.5% higher than the national average. However, the higher average salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists generally offsets this increase, maintaining good purchasing power.
What is the total number of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Colorado?
There are approximately 780 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in Colorado.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.271 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado