Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn a remarkable average annual salary of $120,570. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $72,940, suggesting that the unique economic and regulatory landscape of this region, potentially driven by federal agencies and research institutions, commands higher compensation for specialized scientific roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $120,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $181,210.
- Outlook: The local job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.68, supports a dedicated workforce of 230 professionals. The presence of 0.074 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a stable, albeit niche, demand for these experts within the region, suggesting a consistent need for their specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+65.3%above the national average.
$58
$2,319
$10,048
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 the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is likely influenced by increasing awareness of conservation needs, advancements in biological research, and the persistent demand for skilled professionals in a region known for its robust scientific and governmental sectors.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the national average, but with several years of dedicated work and the acquisition of specialized skills, professionals can ascend to senior roles commanding salaries well above the $120,570 average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify this upward trajectory and the rewards of expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,690 | $29.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,428 | $43.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $121,890 | $58.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $150,713 | $72.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $181,210 | $87.1 |
Detailed Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$120,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$120,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $120,570 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is perfectly aligned with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher cost of living impacting their take-home pay.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.074
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.68x 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 0.68, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is less concentrated with Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not saturated, there is a steady demand for these professionals, potentially offering good opportunities for those seeking employment without facing intense competition from a large local pool of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary | $81,780↓ 32% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $120,570. This typically ranges from $61,690 for entry-level positions to $181,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 65.3% higher than the national median of $72,940.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.The average salary of $120,570 is substantially higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($81,780) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $120,570, which is significantly higher than the national average of $72,940.
What is the Cost of Living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary here has average purchasing power.
How many Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists work in this area?
There are approximately 230 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists concentrated in this area?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates that this area has a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a less saturated but still present job market.
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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.074 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-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV