📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia · 22.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$53,258
per year
Median
$49,358
per year
Hourly
$25.6
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$34,772
25th Percentile — Junior$45,068
50th Percentile — Median$49,358
75th Percentile — Senior$68,234
90th Percentile — Top Earners$76,984
💡 Top-earning Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists in West Virginia make up to $76,984 per year. The job market in West Virginia is rated low, with key industries including Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$44.8k
2021
$46.4k
2022
$48.0k
2023
$49.7k
2024
$51.5k
2025
$53.3k
2026
📈 Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries in West Virginia have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in West Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary by City in West Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $53,258 +0% Medium
🔍
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Job Market in West Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

West Virginia is home to a low job market for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists. The state's key industries — Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $53,258 per year, West Virginia's Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in West Virginia (index: 0.78) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in West Virginia can expect to earn $34,772–$45,068, while experienced Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists can command $68,234–$76,984.

Looking ahead, the Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist profession in West Virginia is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Energy 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary in West Virginia is $53,258 per year in 2026, which is 22.0% below the national average of $68,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists the highest wages in West Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • West Virginia has a low job market with major industries in Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist employment.
  • At $53,258/year, West Virginia Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average of $68,280/year.