Agriculture & Environment Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Zoologist Salary in Arizona

The median zoologist salary in Arizona is $66,183 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $68,230.

Median Salary
$66,183
vs National
$-2,047
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Zoologist Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for zoologist compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for zoologist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $66,183 per year, zoologists in Arizona earn $2,047 less than the national median of $68,230.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning zoologist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: zoologists at the 10th percentile earn $40,740, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $108,640 — a $67,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $76,418.

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for zoologists across the country.

Zoologist Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level zoologist earns around $43,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,850 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,650
$-1,350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,900
$-2,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,850
$-3,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $40,740
25th Percentile $52,380
Median (50th) $66,183
75th Percentile $87,300
90th Percentile $108,640

Zoologist Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for zoologists in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Zoologist in Arizona

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Arizona has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook in Arizona

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arizona's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Zoologists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $35,667 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Arizona

How much does a Zoologist make in Arizona? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Arizona is $66,183 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $40,740 (10th percentile) to $108,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,183, a zoologist in Arizona earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for zoologists? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for zoologist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level zoologists earn $43,650, while senior professionals earn $101,850.
How does Arizona compare to other states for zoologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for zoologists is Hawaii at $115,991. Arizona's median of $66,183 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($66,865) and Maine ($66,865).
What is the entry-level zoologist salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level zoologist in Arizona earns approximately $43,650 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $101,850.
What city in Arizona pays zoologists the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for zoologists, with a median salary of $76,418. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.