Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Virginia
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $71,720. This figure is slightly below the national average of $72,940, indicating a nuanced compensation landscape within the state. Factors such as the specific demand for wildlife expertise, the presence of research institutions, and conservation initiatives likely influence this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,860.
- Outlook: Virginia's market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, with a total local workforce of 370 professionals, presents a stable yet specialized environment. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying that while opportunities exist, the field is not exceptionally saturated within the state. This indicates a steady demand for skilled professionals in conservation, research, and environmental management.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia earns-1.7%below the national average.
$34.5
$1,379
$5,977
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 Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of environmental issues, evolving research methodologies, and a consistent need for ecological expertise in both public and private sectors.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on accumulated knowledge, project leadership, and advanced research capabilities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,810 | $23 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,790 | $25.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $66,550 | $32 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,650 | $43.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $102,860 | $49.5 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,730
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $71,720 in Virginia is quite competitive when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This index indicates that the cost of living is only slightly above the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary translates to a strong purchasing power, allowing professionals to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without facing significant financial strain compared to more expensive regions.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
0.09
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Virginia has 0.82x 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 0.82, Virginia's job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is moderately concentrated, falling just below the national average. This suggests a balanced market where professionals are neither overwhelmingly abundant nor exceptionally scarce. While competition may exist, the slightly lower concentration indicates a healthy availability of roles for qualified individuals, making it a viable state for career pursuit in this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $71,870↑ 0% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia is $71,720. This typically ranges from $47,810 for entry-level positions to $102,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 1.7% lower than the national median of $72,940.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, with a slight caveat.Virginia offers a competitive salary of $71,720, which holds strong purchasing power due to a cost of living just above the national average. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the overall economic environment is favorable for these professionals.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($71,870) and others.
How does Virginia's average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia is $71,720, which is slightly lower than the national average of $72,940.
What is the concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Virginia?
Virginia has a Location Quotient of 0.82 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's expenses are only marginally higher than the national average, meaning the $71,720 salary offers good real value and purchasing power.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
The figure of 0.09 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests that for every thousand individuals employed in Virginia, approximately 0.09 are Zoologists or Wildlife Biologists, indicating a niche but present employment sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.09 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 Virginia