Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Oregon
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Oregon earn an impressive average annual salary of $84,550, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Oregon's robust environmental sector and a higher cost of living, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain specialized talent in wildlife conservation and research.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $113,030.
- Outlook: Oregon boasts a substantial workforce of 970 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, indicating a strong and established presence in the field. With a Location Quotient of 4.49, the concentration of these professionals in Oregon is more than four times the national average, signaling robust demand and a thriving job market for wildlife experts within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Oregon earns+15.9%above the national average.
$40.7
$1,626
$7,046
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Oregon have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for environmental professionals and the rising cost of living. This upward trajectory suggests a positive and strengthening job market for those in this specialized scientific field.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Oregon
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Oregon typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive research, management, or specialized ecological expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career and financial advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $54,020 | $26 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,413 | $30.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $85,150 | $40.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $105,688 | $50.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $113,030 | $54.3 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,458
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $84,550 in Oregon presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the cost of living being 15.1% above the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat moderated, though still likely offers a good standard of living.
Job Market Context
970
Total Jobs
0.492
Per 1K Jobs
4.49
Location Quotient
Oregon has 4.5x 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.
Oregon's Location Quotient of 4.49 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists indicates a highly concentrated job market, far exceeding the national average. This suggests that Oregon is a key hub for this profession, offering abundant opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and professionals looking for specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bend, OR Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $81,410↓ 4% | 52 mi |
| Salem, OR Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $94,110↑ 11% | 53 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $81,430↓ 4% | 59 mi |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $80,020↓ 5% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oregon
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Oregon?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Oregon is $84,550. This typically ranges from $54,020 for entry-level positions to $113,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oregon is 15.9% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Oregon a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, Oregon is a lucrative state for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $84,550 is significantly higher than the national average, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 4.49) indicates strong demand and competitive compensation within the state.
Is Oregon a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Oregon is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oregon?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bend, OR ($81,410) and Salem, OR.
How does Oregon's salary for Zoologists compare to the national average?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Oregon earn an average of $84,550 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $72,940.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 4.49 mean for this profession in Oregon?
An LQ of 4.49 signifies that Oregon has a workforce concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists that is 4.49 times greater than the national average, indicating a very strong presence and demand for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in Oregon affect the Zoologist salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Oregon is more expensive than the national average. While the $84,550 salary is high, the increased cost of living means the real purchasing power is somewhat reduced compared to a lower cost-of-living area with the same nominal salary.
What is the total number of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Oregon?
There are approximately 970 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed within the state of Oregon.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 970 employees in the Oregon area with a job density of 0.492 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Oregon
- All Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Management Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Production Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Browse All Jobs in Oregon →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oregon