Agriculture & Environment Scottsdale, AZ Pop. 241,361

Zoologist Salary in Scottsdale, Arizona

The median zoologist salary in Scottsdale, AZ is $76,418 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 15.5% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$76,418
vs State Avg
+$10,235
vs National
+$8,188
Cost of Living
112%

Zoologist Pay in Scottsdale: What to Expect (2026)

Scottsdale offers a median zoologist salary of $76,418, which is $10,235 above the Arizona state average of $66,183. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Scottsdale pays above average for this role.

However, Scottsdale's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $76,418 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Scottsdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Scottsdale spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $125,440 at the 90th percentile — a $78,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,400, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. With a population of 241,361, Scottsdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Scottsdale by Experience

In Scottsdale, an entry-level zoologist earns around $50,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,400
+$5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
+$12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Scottsdale, AZ

Percentile Scottsdale
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $60,480
Median (50th) $76,418
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $125,440

Zoologist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Scottsdale

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Scottsdale and the surrounding Arizona 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 Scottsdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Scottsdale

Browse open zoologist positions in Scottsdale, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Scottsdale

How much does a Zoologist make in Scottsdale, AZ? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Scottsdale, Arizona is $76,418 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $125,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Scottsdale? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,418, a zoologist in Scottsdale earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Scottsdale compare to the Arizona state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Scottsdale's median zoologist salary of $76,418 is 15.5% above the Arizona state average of $66,183. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ? ▼
Scottsdale has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $76,418 in Scottsdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Scottsdale? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Scottsdale 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.