Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in North Carolina
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $69,550. This figure is slightly below the national average of $72,940, a common trend in states with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within North Carolina's unique ecosystems often influence these compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,140.
- Outlook: North Carolina supports a workforce of approximately 350 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the concentration of these professionals is below the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but perhaps more specialized job market within the state. The rate of 0.071 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a modest presence in the overall employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in North Carolina earns-4.6%below the national average.
$33.4
$1,338
$5,796
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for North Carolina's Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increased environmental awareness, conservation efforts, and evolving research methodologies likely contribute to salary growth in this specialized field.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in North Carolina
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 specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,120 | $23.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $52,163 | $25.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,930 | $29.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $86,938 | $41.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $108,140 | $52 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,288
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $69,550 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for residents, making the state an attractive option for those considering relocation.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
0.071
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 0.65x 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 0.65 indicates that Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists are less concentrated in North Carolina compared to the national average. This suggests that while the field is present, it is not a dominant sector within the state's workforce. This lower concentration could imply fewer job openings but potentially less competition for specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $75,340↑ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in North Carolina is $69,550. This typically ranges from $49,120 for entry-level positions to $108,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 4.6% lower than the national median of $72,940.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living makes the $69,550 salary quite competitive in terms of purchasing power.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($75,340) and others.
How does experience affect a Zoologist's salary in North Carolina?
Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level positions will offer lower salaries, while senior Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more, reflecting their expertise and value.
What is the job outlook for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in North Carolina?
The outlook appears stable with a modest presence. The Location Quotient suggests a specialized market rather than a high-demand, saturated one, indicating potential opportunities for skilled professionals.
Is the cost of living in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
North Carolina's cost of living is lower than the national average, with an index of 94.9 compared to the national benchmark of 100.
How does North Carolina's average Zoologist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in North Carolina is $69,550, which is slightly lower than the national average of $72,940.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.071 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 North Carolina