Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Montana
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana earn an impressive average annual salary of $75,210, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Montana's unique ecological landscape and the specialized demand for professionals who can manage and study its diverse wildlife populations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,310.
- Outlook: The job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana appears robust, with a total local workforce of 370 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 6.54 indicates a substantial concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand and a specialized ecosystem for this career path within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana earns+3.1%above the national average.
$36.2
$1,446
$6,268
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing environmental awareness, conservation efforts, and the need for expert wildlife management likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Montana
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive field experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth path and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,230 | $24.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $56,408 | $27.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $64,060 | $30.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $94,013 | $45.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $94,310 | $45.3 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,355
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
While the average salary of $75,210 in Montana is favorable, the Cost of Living Index of 106.9 indicates that expenses are approximately 7% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is strong, the purchasing power may be slightly reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
0.718
Per 1K Jobs
6.54
Location Quotient
Montana has 6.5x 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.
Montana's Location Quotient of 6.54 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is exceptionally high, signifying a market that is over 6.5 times more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers are actively seeking and retaining talent in this field due to its importance in the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Helena, MT Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $73,430↓ 2% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $87,830↑ 17% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana is $75,210. This typically ranges from $50,230 for entry-level positions to $94,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 3.1% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, Montana offers a lucrative environment for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $75,210 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of professionals (LQ of 6.54) points to strong demand within the state.
Is Montana a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Helena, MT ($73,430) and Bozeman, MT.
How does Montana's average salary compare to the national average?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana earn an average of $75,210 annually, which is higher than the national average of $72,940.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 6.54 mean for this profession in Montana?
An LQ of 6.54 indicates that Montana has a significantly higher concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average, suggesting specialized demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Montana?
With a Cost of Living Index of 106.9, Montana is slightly more expensive than the national average. While the salary is higher, the increased cost of living should be factored into financial planning.
What is the total number of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Montana?
There are approximately 370 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in Montana, contributing to the state's specialized workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 0.718 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 Montana