Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary
In District of Columbia, zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $107,050 at the median, or about $51.46 an hour. The range runs from $85K at the entry level to $161K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $98,319 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,146/month, about 32.6% of take-home, which is tight.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across District of Columbia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $107K get you in District of Columbia?
About zoologists and wildlife biologists
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What this looks like in District of Columbia
District of Columbia sits well above the national pay line for zoologists and wildlife biologists, local pay runs about 39% higher than the U.S. median of $77K. Rent runs $2,146/month for a 2-bedroom (HUD FMR), taking 33.3% of the median take-home. That's within the 30% rule, though not by much. Cost-of-living overall is 9% above the national average (BEA RPP 108.88), so groceries and services cost more too. Use the affordability calculator above to model your specific situation.
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists (10th percentile) start around $85K. Mid-career wages sit at $107K. Top earners bring in $161K or more, a $76K spread from bottom to top.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary by metro in District of Columbia
1 metro area with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $104K | -3% | 270 |
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BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when District of Columbia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a zoologists and wildlife biologist afford a 2BR apartment alone in District of Columbia?
It’s a stretch — at the median salary of $107K, rent takes 33.3% of take-home pay. A 2-bedroom at the HUD Fair Market Rent runs $2,146/month. The 30% guideline puts the comfortable ceiling at roughly $1,900/month in rent — so roommates or a 1-bedroom would ease the math significantly.
What’s the entry-level salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists in District of Columbia?
The 10th-percentile wage — what new zoologists and wildlife biologists typically earn — is $85K/year. Take-home on that works out to about $5,111/month. At HUD’s $2,146/month FMR, rent would take 42% of that take-home — above the 30% guideline, so a 1-bedroom or shared housing is likely necessary starting out.
Is zoologists and wildlife biologist a high-paying job in District of Columbia?
Local pay is 39% above the national median — $107K here vs. $77K nationally. Keep in mind cost of living here is 9% above the national average, which offsets some of that premium.
How does District of Columbia compare to the national average for zoologists and wildlife biologists?
District of Columbia pays $107K median vs. the U.S. average of $77K — that’s +39%. After adjusting for local cost of living (RPP 108.88), the purchasing-power equivalent is $98K — still ahead of the national median.
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make in District of Columbia?
The median is $107,050 a year, that works out to about $51 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $85,190, and experienced zoologists and wildlife biologists can clear $161,470. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $107K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,453/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,146/month, which eats 33.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a zoologists and wildlife biologists salary go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median zoologists and wildlife biologists salary is worth about $98,319 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do zoologists and wildlife biologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.