📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$56,672
per year
Median
$52,522
per year
Hourly
$27.25
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$37,001
25th Percentile — Junior$47,957
50th Percentile — Median$52,522
75th Percentile — Senior$72,608
90th Percentile — Top Earners$81,919
💡 Top-earning Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists in Kentucky make up to $81,919 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$47.7k
2021
$49.4k
2022
$51.1k
2023
$52.9k
2024
$54.8k
2025
$56.7k
2026
📈 Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $47,604 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $47,604 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $56,672 per year, Kentucky's Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $37,001–$47,957, while experienced Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists can command $72,608–$81,919.

Looking ahead, the Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary in Kentucky is $56,672 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $68,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist employment.
  • At $56,672/year, Kentucky Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $68,280/year.