Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in South Carolina
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $65,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $72,940, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's conservation and research sectors. The localized pay scale is often influenced by the state's unique ecological landscape and the funding available for wildlife management and scientific study.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,050.
- Outlook: South Carolina's market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists shows a modest concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.93, indicating a presence close to the national average. The total local workforce of 230 professionals suggests a stable, albeit not expansive, job market. This level of concentration implies consistent opportunities for those entering or established in the field, without overwhelming competition.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Carolina earns-10.1%below the national average.
$31.5
$1,262
$5,467
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for South Carolina's zoologist salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, increased environmental awareness, and evolving research methodologies typically drive modest salary growth in specialized scientific fields over time.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Salary progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start significantly below the average, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and advanced degrees can command salaries well above $65,600. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles underscore the significant career advancement and earning potential within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,990 | $22.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,200 | $23.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,490 | $29.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $82,000 | $39.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $87,050 | $41.9 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,405
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $65,600 in South Carolina presents a favorable financial picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 95.9. This index, slightly below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is relatively strong within the state, potentially allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.102
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
South Carolina has 0.93x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.93, South Carolina's job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is neither over-saturated nor significantly underserved compared to the national landscape. This indicates a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, suggesting steady employment prospects for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $68,210↑ 4% | 13 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $62,720↓ 4% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Carolina is $65,600. This typically ranges from $46,990 for entry-level positions to $87,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 10.1% lower than the national median of $72,940.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is favorable, the average salary of $65,600 is below the national average of $72,940. This suggests that while financially stable, it may not be the highest-paying state for this profession.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($68,210) and Charleston-North Charleston, SC.
What is the average salary for a Zoologist in South Carolina?
The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Carolina is $65,600.
How does South Carolina's salary compare to the national average?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Carolina earn approximately $7,340 less per year than the national average salary of $72,940.
Is the job market for Zoologists strong in South Carolina?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.93, indicating a presence close to the national average and suggesting stable, consistent opportunities.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in South Carolina?
South Carolina's Cost of Living Index is 95.9, which is below the national average. This means the $65,600 salary offers relatively good purchasing power within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 0.102 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 South Carolina