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Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Michigan

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Michigan earn an impressive average annual salary of $79,550, significantly outpacing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation in Michigan can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's rich biodiversity, active conservation efforts, and the specialized skill set required for these roles within the local ecosystem.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $79,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,310.
  • Outlook: The job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Michigan, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.67, supports a dedicated workforce of 320 professionals. This indicates a stable, albeit niche, demand for these specialists within the state, suggesting consistent opportunities for those with the requisite expertise.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$79,550

The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Michigan earns+9.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38.2

Weekly

$1,530

Monthly

$6,629

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Michigan

Salary progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Michigan typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive fieldwork can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential and increased earning power.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$52,430$25.2
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$59,663$28.7
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$79,020$38
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$99,438$47.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$106,310$51.1

Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$79,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$87,804

Adjusted for COL (90.6)

The average annual salary of $79,550 in Michigan presents a strong financial advantage when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 90.6. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a Zoologist's salary in Michigan is greater than the national average, allowing for a higher standard of living.

Job Market Context

320

Total Jobs

0.074

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Michigan has 0.67x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.67, Michigan has a lower concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the field is not as densely populated as in other regions, the demand is steady, potentially offering less competition for skilled professionals seeking employment in this specialized area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Comparing salaries near Michigan

Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Michigan is $79,550. This typically ranges from $52,430 for entry-level positions to $106,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Michigan is 9.1% higher than the national median of $72,940.

Is Michigan a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

Yes, Michigan offers a lucrative environment for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $79,550 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national benchmark, enhancing real earning potential.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.6 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Michigan?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lansing-East Lansing, MI ($69,550) and others.

How does Michigan's average salary compare to the national average for this role?

Michigan's average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is $79,550, which is notably higher than the national average of $72,940.

What is the Cost of Living in Michigan relative to the national average?

Michigan's Cost of Living Index is 90.6, which is lower than the national average of 100, indicating that everyday expenses are generally more affordable in the state.

How concentrated is the job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Michigan?

The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.67, meaning the concentration of these professionals is lower than the national average, suggesting a less saturated but stable job market.

What is the total number of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in Michigan?

There are approximately 320 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed within Michigan, representing a dedicated segment of the state's scientific workforce.

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 Michigan area with a job density of 0.074 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.