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Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Massachusetts

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts earn an impressive average annual salary of $98,390, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's robust research institutions, strong environmental conservation efforts, and a higher cost of living that necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain specialized talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $98,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $151,470.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 320 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.8, the market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, demand compared to the national average. The presence of a substantial workforce suggests ongoing opportunities, while the quotient points to a market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, offering a balanced environment for career development.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$98,390

The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts earns+34.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47.3

Weekly

$1,892

Monthly

$8,199

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Massachusetts

Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the substantial career advancement and earning potential available within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$64,060$30.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$73,793$35.5
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$88,550$42.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$122,988$59.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$151,470$72.8

Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$98,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,301

Adjusted for COL (148.4)

While the nominal average salary of $98,390 in Massachusetts is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This index, significantly above the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished. Prospective professionals should carefully weigh the higher income against the increased expenses associated with housing, goods, and services in the region.

Job Market Context

320

Total Jobs

0.087

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

Massachusetts 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.8 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the state has a notable presence of these roles, the job market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher quotient, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals relative to the number of available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Comparing salaries near Massachusetts

Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts is $98,390. This typically ranges from $64,060 for entry-level positions to $151,470 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 34.9% higher than the national median of $72,940.

Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

Yes, Massachusetts offers a lucrative environment for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $98,390 significantly exceeds the national average, reflecting strong demand and specialized roles within the state. While the cost of living is high, the compensation potential remains substantial for professionals in this field.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?

Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($89,010) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.

How does the Massachusetts salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts is $98,390, which is considerably higher than the national average of $72,940.

What is the concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has a Location Quotient of 0.8 for these professionals, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Massachusetts?

With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, Massachusetts is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher salary is partially offset by increased living expenses.

What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?

A local workforce of 320 professionals suggests a dedicated community and a stable base of employment opportunities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 0.087 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.