Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in California (2026)
California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $150,285 | +55.0% | Medium |
| San Diego | $143,498 | +48.0% | Medium |
| San Jose | $166,768 | +72.0% | Medium |
| San Francisco | $179,372 | +85.0% | Medium |
| Fresno | $104,715 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Sacramento | $118,289 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Long Beach | $140,589 | +45.0% | Medium |
| Bakersfield | $104,715 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Anaheim | $137,680 | +42.0% | Medium |
| Santa Ana | $135,741 | +40.0% | Medium |
| Riverside | $124,106 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Stockton | $114,410 | +18.0% | Medium |
| Irvine | $150,285 | +55.0% | Medium |
| San Bernardino | $114,410 | +18.0% | Medium |
| Modesto | $108,593 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Fontana | $118,289 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Moreno Valley | $111,502 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Glendale | $143,498 | +48.0% | Medium |
| Fremont | $155,133 | +60.0% | Medium |
California is home to a very strong job market for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $96,958 per year, California's Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $63,304–$82,048, while experienced Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists can command $124,222–$140,151.
Looking ahead, the Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist profession in California is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary in California?The average Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary in California is $96,958 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $68,280.
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What city in California pays Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists the most?San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is California a good state for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists?California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist employment.
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How does California Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary compare to the US average?At $96,958/year, California Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $68,280/year.