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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$79,780
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.5% vs 2024
$82,210
Mean Salary
$79,780
Median Salary
$38.36
Hourly Rate
250 people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois earn a median salary of $79,780 per year ($6,648/month).
This is 5.4% above the national average of $75,715.
Illinois ranks #16 out of 47 states for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay.
Approximately 250 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 1.5% 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)
Salary Range: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois
Salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois range from $55,690 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $112,900 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $61,220 and $97,470.
Median $79,780
P10: $55,690P25: $61,220P75: $97,470P90: $112,900
10th
$55,690
25th
$61,220
Median
$79,780
75th
$97,470
90th
$112,900
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$55,690
$26.77
$4,640
25th Percentile
$61,220
$29.43
$5,101
Median (50th)
$79,780
$38.36
$6,648
75th Percentile
$97,470
$46.86
$8,122
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$112,900
$54.28
$9,408
Note: The mean (average) salary of $82,210 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#16
Illinois ranks #16 of 47 states
$75,715
National avg. for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois is $79,780 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $82,210.
What is the salary range for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois?
Salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois range from $55,690 at the 10th percentile to $112,900 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $61,220 and $97,470.
What is the starting salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois?
Entry-level Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists positions in Illinois typically start around $55,690 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $61,220 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 250 people are employed as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Illinois is approximately $38.36 per hour.
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.
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