Agriculture & Environment Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Zoologist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median zoologist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$60,042
vs State Avg
+$682
vs National
$-8,188
Cost of Living
88%

Zoologist Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median zoologist salary of $60,042, which is $682 above the Alabama state average of $59,360. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $60,042 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Tuscaloosa spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,560 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level zoologist earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $60,042
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $98,560

Zoologist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$62,772
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$61,407
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$58,678
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$57,996
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Zoologist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open zoologist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Zoologist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $98,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,042, a zoologist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median zoologist salary of $60,042 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $59,360. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $60,042 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.