Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Illinois
In Illinois, zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $78,620 at the median — $37.8 an hour. The range runs from $49K at the entry level to $108K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $79K get you in Illinois?
About zoologists and wildlife biologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Illinois
Entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists (10th percentile) start around $49K. Mid-career wages sit at $79K.Top earners bring in $108K or more - a $59K spread from bottom to top.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $97K | +33% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $89K | +22% | 320 |
| Mississippi | $87K | +19% | 120 |
| Louisiana | $86K | +18% | 50 |
| Oregon | $85K | +17% | 970 |
| Alaska | $85K | +16% | 690 |
| California | $83K | +13% | 1,580 |
| Maryland | $83K | +13% | 270 |
| North Dakota | $82K | +13% | 100 |
| Washington | $82K | +13% | 1,800 |
| Iowa | $81K | +11% | 100 |
| Michigan | $79K | +8% | 320 |
| Illinois | $79K | +8% | 160 |
| Missouri | $77K | +6% | 150 |
| New Jersey | $77K | +6% | 90 |
Track zoologists and wildlife biologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Illinois numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make in Illinois?
The median is $78,620 a year - that works out to about $37.8 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,680, and experienced zoologists and wildlife biologists can clear $108,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $79K enough to live in Illinois?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,984/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,203/month (median of metro areas), which eats 24.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a zoologists and wildlife biologists salary go in Illinois?
Illinois has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median zoologists and wildlife biologists salary is worth about $78,620 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.