Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $86,550. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $72,940, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of specialized talent in the region. The robust compensation reflects the unique environmental and research opportunities present in the Pacific Northwest.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,600.
- Outlook: The local job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro appears robust, supported by a dedicated workforce of 360 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.73 suggests a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, pointing to a healthy demand for specialized ecological expertise within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+18.7%above the national average.
$41.6
$1,664
$7,213
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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation for specialized scientific roles. This upward trajectory is likely driven by evolving conservation efforts and increased research funding.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive fieldwork can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their specialized knowledge and proven track record.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $52,730 | $25.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $64,913 | $31.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $84,180 | $40.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,188 | $52 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,600 | $58.5 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $86,550 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro 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 metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the premium often associated with high-paying cities.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.3
Per 1K Jobs
2.73
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 2.7x 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 2.73, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area exhibits a strong concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek out professionals with expertise in local ecosystems and wildlife management.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $94,110↑ 9% | 44 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $81,430↓ 6% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $87,060↑ 1% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $86,550. This typically ranges from $52,730 for entry-level positions to $121,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 18.7% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $86,550 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially advantageous area.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($94,110) and Corvallis, OR.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average for Zoologists?
The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is $86,550, which is approximately $13,610 higher than the national average of $72,940.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.73 signify for this role?
A Location Quotient of 2.73 means that Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists are more than twice as concentrated in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Zoologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area matches the national average. This means the higher salary of $86,550 offers excellent purchasing power for residents.
What is the total number of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area?
There are approximately 360 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 0.3 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA