Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Salem, OR
In Salem, OR, zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $98,110 at the median — $47.17 an hour. The range runs from $64K at the entry level to $113K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.65), that's roughly $94,655 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,560/month, or 25.3% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $98K get you in Salem?
About zoologists and wildlife biologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salem, OR
Entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists (10th percentile) start around $64K. Mid-career wages sit at $98K.Top earners bring in $113K or more - a $49K 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 Salem numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make in Salem, OR?
The median is $98,110 a year - that works out to about $47.17 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $64,030, and experienced zoologists and wildlife biologists can clear $113,350. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $98K enough to live in Salem?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,779/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,560/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 27% 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 Salem?
Salem has a Regional Price Parity of 103.65 (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 $94,655 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.