Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $91,160. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $72,940, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher cost of doing business or living within this major metropolitan region. The specialized nature of this field, combined with the economic drivers of Southern California, likely contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,440.
- Outlook: The local job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.35, supports a workforce of 240 professionals. This indicates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.038) suggests that while not a dominant sector, there is a consistent need for these specialized skills within the region's ecosystem of research institutions, conservation organizations, and governmental agencies.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+25.0%above the national average.
$43.8
$1,753
$7,597
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Los Angeles isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of salary growth in specialized scientific fields. Economic recovery, increased funding for environmental research, and a growing awareness of conservation needs likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on accumulated knowledge, project management skills, and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,140 | $24.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $68,370 | $32.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $83,100 | $40 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $113,950 | $54.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $131,440 | $63.2 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$91,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $91,160 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, relocating professionals can expect their earnings to cover local expenses without a significant financial advantage or disadvantage compared to the national standard.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.038
Per 1K Jobs
0.35
Location Quotient
At 0.35x, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has a notably lower concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.35, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA market is less concentrated with Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists than the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the field is not oversaturated, and professionals may find a competitive but manageable job market. The lower concentration could imply a reliance on attracting talent from outside the immediate region for certain specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $70,570↓ 23% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $91,160. This typically ranges from $50,140 for entry-level positions to $131,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 25.0% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.The average salary of $91,160 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, the Cost of Living Index being at the national average means the increased salary's purchasing power is comparable to national levels.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($70,570) and others.
How does the Los Angeles salary compare to the national average for Zoologists?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Los Angeles earn an average of $91,160 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $72,940.
What is the concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Los Angeles?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.35, meaning the area has fewer Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists relative to the national average.
Does the Cost of Living in Los Angeles affect the value of the Zoologist salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $91,160 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists work in the Los Angeles area?
There are approximately 240 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.038 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA