Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Utah
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Utah earn an average annual salary of $70,090, slightly below the national average of $72,940. This marginal difference in compensation is often influenced by a combination of factors unique to the state's economic landscape and the specific demand for these specialized scientific roles within Utah's environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,310.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, Utah presents a niche but stable job market. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.87, suggests that this profession is significantly more prevalent in Utah than the national average, pointing towards a robust demand and a supportive ecosystem for these scientific professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Utah earns-3.9%below the national average.
$33.7
$1,348
$5,841
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 Utah have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased funding for conservation efforts, advancements in research methodologies, and a growing awareness of ecological preservation likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Utah
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Utah typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and the value placed on expertise and seniority in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $48,780 | $23.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $52,568 | $25.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $69,990 | $33.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $87,613 | $42.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $94,310 | $45.3 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,072
Adjusted for COL (104.5)
The average annual salary of $70,090 in Utah needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 104.5. This index indicates that living expenses in Utah are approximately 4.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the nominal salary is slightly below the national average, the purchasing power of a Zoologist's income in Utah is relatively comparable to national standards, though slightly diminished by the higher cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
0.205
Per 1K Jobs
1.87
Location Quotient
Utah has 1.9x 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.
Utah's Location Quotient of 1.87 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists signifies a market concentration nearly double the national average. This suggests a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these professionals within the state compared to other regions. While this indicates a favorable environment for job seekers in this field, it also implies a potentially competitive landscape among a specialized group of professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $68,070↓ 3% | 13 mi |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $69,560↓ 1% | 44 mi |
| Ogden, UT Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $73,240↑ 4% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Utah
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Utah?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Utah is $70,090. This typically ranges from $48,780 for entry-level positions to $94,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Utah is 3.9% lower than the national median of $72,940.
Is Utah a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Utah offers a strong concentration of Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist jobs, exceeding the national average. While the average salary is slightly lower than the national figure, the cost of living is only marginally higher, making it a reasonably competitive location for these professionals.
Is Utah a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Utah is 104.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Utah?
Some top paying nearby cities include Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT ($68,070) and Salt Lake City-Murray, UT.
How does Utah's job market compare nationally for Zoologists?
Utah's job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.87, indicating a higher prevalence of these roles within the state.
What is the average salary for a Zoologist in Utah?
The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Utah is $70,090.
Is the cost of living high in Utah for Zoologists?
Utah's Cost of Living Index is 104.5, which is slightly above the national average, meaning expenses are about 4.5% higher than the national benchmark.
How many Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists work in Utah?
There are approximately 350 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in Utah.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Utah area with a job density of 0.205 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 Utah