Agriculture & Environment Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Zoologist Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median zoologist salary in Tucson, AZ is $63,454 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$63,454
vs State Avg
$-2,729
vs National
$-4,776
Cost of Living
93%

Zoologist Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median zoologist salary of $63,454, which is $2,729 below the Arizona state average of $66,183. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for zoologists in Tucson spans from $39,060 at the 10th percentile to $104,160 at the 90th percentile — a $65,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,850, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,650. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level zoologist earns around $41,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,850
$-3,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,100
$-4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,650
$-7,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $39,060
25th Percentile $50,220
Median (50th) $63,454
75th Percentile $83,700
90th Percentile $104,160

Zoologist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Tucson

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Tucson

Browse open zoologist positions in Tucson, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Tucson

How much does a Zoologist make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Tucson, Arizona is $63,454 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $39,060 (10th percentile) to $104,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,454, a zoologist in Tucson earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Tucson's median zoologist salary of $63,454 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $66,183. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $63,454 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Tucson? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Tucson 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.