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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$98,530
Median Annual Salary
▲ +19.3% vs 2024
$111,800
Mean Salary
$98,530
Median Salary
$47.37
Hourly Rate
2,210 people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $58,380$58,38025th25% earn less than $75,250$75,250MedianHalf earn more than $98,530$98,53075th75% earn less than $168,170$168,17090thTop 10% earn more than $177,760$177,760

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California earn a median salary of $98,530 per year ($8,210/month). This is 30.1% above the national average of $75,715. California ranks #3 out of 47 states for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay. Approximately 2,210 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 19.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Biology
4.81
English Language
3.77
Customer and Personal Service
3.73
Mathematics
3.41
Geography
3.37
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (57.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California

Salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California range from $58,380 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $177,760 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $75,250 and $168,170.

Median $98,530
P10: $58,380 P25: $75,250 P75: $168,170 P90: $177,760
10th
$58,380
25th
$75,250
Median
$98,530
75th
$168,170
90th
$177,760
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $58,380 $28.07 $4,865
25th Percentile $75,250 $36.18 $6,270
Median (50th) $98,530 $47.37 $8,210
75th Percentile $168,170 $80.85 $14,014
90th Percentile (Experienced) $177,760 $85.46 $14,813

Note: The mean (average) salary of $111,800 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
California ranks #3 of 47 states
$75,715
National avg. for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
+30.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Data in California

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary by State

Compare Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California is $98,530 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $111,800.
What is the salary range for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California?
Salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California range from $58,380 at the 10th percentile to $177,760 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $75,250 and $168,170.
What is the starting salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California?
Entry-level Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists positions in California typically start around $58,380 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $75,250 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,210 people are employed as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in California is approximately $47.37 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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