Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
In San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $93,640 at the median — $45.02 an hour. The range runs from $61K at the entry level to $171K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $83,689 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 51% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $94K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About zoologists and wildlife biologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists (10th percentile) start around $61K. Mid-career wages sit at $94K.Top earners bring in $171K or more - a $109K 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $93,640 a year - that works out to about $45.02 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,420, and experienced zoologists and wildlife biologists can clear $170,740. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $94K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,785/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 51.9% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (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 $83,689 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.