📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$105,478
per year
Median
$98,378
per year
Hourly
$50.71
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$69,055
25th Percentile — Junior$88,083
50th Percentile — Median$98,378
75th Percentile — Senior$130,896
90th Percentile — Top Earners$146,683
💡 Top-earning Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss in California make up to $146,683 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$87.5k
2021
$90.9k
2022
$94.3k
2023
$97.9k
2024
$101.6k
2025
$105.5k
2026
📈 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $163,491 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $156,107 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $181,422 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $195,134 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $113,916 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $128,683 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $152,943 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $113,916 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $149,779 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $147,669 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $135,012 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $124,464 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $163,491 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $124,464 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $118,135 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $128,683 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $121,300 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $156,107 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $168,765 +60.0% Medium
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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $105,478 per year, California's Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 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 $69,055–$88,083, while experienced Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss can command $130,896–$146,683.

Looking ahead, the Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in California is $105,478 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $74,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employment.
  • At $105,478/year, California Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $74,280/year.