Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $82,410. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $72,940, indicating a strong local demand for these specialized professionals. The robust compensation in this region is likely driven by a combination of the area's unique ecological significance and the specialized skill set required for wildlife biology roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,700.
- Outlook: The job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 250 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 17.74 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing to strong, sustained demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+13.0%above the national average.
$39.6
$1,585
$6,868
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Olympia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing specialization within the field. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by factors such as inflation, evolving conservation needs, and increased funding for environmental research.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, is typically marked by a substantial increase in earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their advanced skills and contributions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $56,670 | $27.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,808 | $29.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $81,740 | $39.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $103,013 | $49.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $107,700 | $51.8 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $82,410 in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Zoologist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher salaries in more expensive regions.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.946
Per 1K Jobs
17.74
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has 17.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 17.74, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, exhibits an extraordinary concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists relative to the national landscape. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers actively seek out talent with specific regional expertise, and professionals may find a wealth of opportunities tailored to their skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $99,170↑ 20% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $100,570↑ 22% | 47 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $78,070↓ 5% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $78,260↓ 5% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $82,410. This typically ranges from $56,670 for entry-level positions to $107,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 13.0% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $82,410 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making earnings go further.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($99,170) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities?
A local workforce of 250 indicates a dedicated community of professionals, suggesting established networks and potential for collaborative opportunities, though the high LQ suggests demand outstrips national averages.
What does a Location Quotient of 17.74 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 17.74 signifies that Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, is a major hub for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, presenting abundant specialized job opportunities compared to most other areas in the US.
How does the cost of living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly the same as the national average, offering excellent value for the high salaries earned by Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this profession in Olympia?
With 1.946 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a notable presence of Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles, reinforcing the high concentration indicated by the Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 1.946 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA