SalaryNode

Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $100,570, significantly outpacing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust demand for specialized environmental expertise and a higher cost of doing business, reflecting the value placed on these critical scientific roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $100,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $156,750.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 730 professionals. The Location Quotient of 3.2 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly 3.2 times the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized ecosystem for these careers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$100,570

The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+37.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$48.4

Weekly

$1,934

Monthly

$8,381

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles and lead biologist positions can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting accumulated expertise, project management skills, and leadership responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$64,380$31
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$75,428$36.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$86,960$41.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$125,713$60.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$156,750$75.4

Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$100,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$100,570

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $100,570 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the higher wages effectively offset the cost of living in the area.

Job Market Context

730

Total Jobs

0.351

Per 1K Jobs

3.2

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 3.2x 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 3.2, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, significantly exceeding the national average. This suggests a competitive environment with a strong presence of employers actively seeking these specialized professionals, making it a potentially lucrative but also demanding market for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

CitySalaryDist.
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary$99,170↓ 1%18 mi
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary$78,070↓ 22%42 mi
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary$78,260↓ 22%42 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary$82,410↓ 18%47 mi
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary$80,020↓ 20%56 mi

Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $100,570. This typically ranges from $64,380 for entry-level positions to $156,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 37.9% higher than the national median of $72,940.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $100,570 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($99,170) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?

A local workforce of 730 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists suggests a stable and established professional community, indicating consistent demand and potential for networking within the field.

What does a Location Quotient of 3.2 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 3.2 signifies that Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, has a significantly higher concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists compared to the national average, implying robust job opportunities and specialized roles.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 0.351 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has a higher proportion of Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience level?

Yes, as professionals gain experience, their salaries typically increase, moving from entry-level positions to senior roles, reflecting a clear career progression path with corresponding financial rewards.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 730 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.351 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA