Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $121,890 at the median — $58.6 an hour. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $181K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $111,949 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 31.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $122K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About zoologists and wildlife biologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level zoologists and wildlife biologists (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $122K.Top earners bring in $181K or more - a $120K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do zoologists and wildlife biologists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $121,890 a year - that works out to about $58.6 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,690, and experienced zoologists and wildlife biologists can clear $181,210. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $122K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,212/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 31.1% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 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 $111,949 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.