Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Washington
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $90,370, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,940. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's robust environmental sector, strong conservation initiatives, and a higher cost of living that necessitates competitive wages to attract and retain specialized talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $90,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,300.
- Outlook: The job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington appears robust, with a substantial local workforce of 1,800 professionals. The Location Quotient of 4.64 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand and a specialized ecosystem of related industries and research institutions.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington earns+23.9%above the national average.
$43.5
$1,738
$7,531
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely fueled by increasing awareness of environmental issues, ongoing conservation efforts, and the demand for expertise in ecological research and management.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington 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 extensive research experience can command salaries well above the average, with higher percentiles reflecting advanced expertise and leadership roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $59,950 | $28.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,778 | $32.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,050 | $39.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $112,963 | $54.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,300 | $61.2 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$90,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,514
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average annual salary of $90,370 in Washington is attractive, it's crucial to consider the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of this higher salary is somewhat diminished. Prospective professionals should carefully weigh the increased income against the elevated expenses for housing, goods, and services.
Job Market Context
1,800
Total Jobs
0.51
Per 1K Jobs
4.64
Location Quotient
Washington has 4.6x 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.
Washington's Location Quotient of 4.64 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists signifies a highly concentrated market, indicating that these professionals are significantly more prevalent in the state than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market, with a wealth of opportunities but also a strong pool of local talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $100,570↑ 11% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $85,730↓ 5% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $99,170↑ 10% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $82,410↓ 9% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $82,100↓ 9% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington is $90,370. This typically ranges from $59,950 for entry-level positions to $127,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 23.9% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, Washington offers lucrative opportunities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $90,370 is substantially higher than the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 4.64) points to strong demand within the state.
Is Washington a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($100,570) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's salary compare to the national average for this role?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington earn an average of $90,370 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $72,940.
What is the concentration of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington?
Washington has a high concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.64, meaning they are more than four times as prevalent as the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the higher salary helps offset this, the increased cost of goods and services should be factored into financial planning.
What is the total workforce size for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington?
There are approximately 1,800 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in Washington state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,800 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.51 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 Washington