Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Maryland
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Maryland earn an impressive average annual salary of $95,790, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is often driven by the state's robust environmental sector, research institutions, and a higher cost of living that necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain specialized talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $95,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $162,160.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists and a Location Quotient of 0.91, Maryland presents a stable, albeit slightly below national average concentration, job market for these professionals. While not a hotspot in terms of sheer numbers relative to the nation, the consistent presence of these roles suggests ongoing demand within the state's ecological and research communities.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Maryland earns+31.3%above the national average.
$46.1
$1,842
$7,983
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Maryland isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, increased environmental awareness, and advancements in biological research typically contribute to salary increases for specialized scientific roles.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Maryland
Salary progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Maryland typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $57,660 | $27.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,843 | $34.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,600 | $39.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $119,738 | $57.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $162,160 | $78 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$95,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,571
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
The average annual salary of $95,790 in Maryland must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 125.1. This index indicates that living expenses in Maryland are approximately 25.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power may be closer to, or slightly above, the national average when adjusted for local expenses.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
0.1
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Maryland has 0.91x 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 0.91 suggests that Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists are employed in Maryland at a rate slightly below the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where opportunities exist, but the concentration of these specific roles is not exceptionally high compared to other professions or states.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $120,570↑ 26% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $81,780↓ 15% | 19 mi |
Comparing salaries near Maryland
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Maryland?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Maryland is $95,790. This typically ranges from $57,660 for entry-level positions to $162,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maryland is 31.3% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Maryland a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, with caveats.Maryland offers a significantly higher average salary ($95,790) than the national average ($72,940), making it financially attractive. However, the higher cost of living (125.1) means the real value of this salary should be carefully considered.
Is Maryland a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($120,570) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
What is the average salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Maryland?
The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Maryland is $95,790.
How does Maryland's salary compare to the national average?
Maryland's average salary of $95,790 is considerably higher than the national average of $72,940 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.
What is the Cost of Living in Maryland compared to the national average?
Maryland's Cost of Living Index is 125.1, meaning it is about 25.1% more expensive to live there than the national average (which is indexed at 100).
Is the job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists strong in Maryland?
The market is stable with a local workforce of 270 and a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a presence slightly below the national average concentration but suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 0.1 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 Maryland