Agriculture & Environment Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Zoologist Salary in Arkansas

The median zoologist salary in Arkansas is $57,313 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $68,230.

Median Salary
$57,313
vs National
$-10,917
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Zoologist Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for zoologist compensation. Zoologist salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,313 per year, zoologists in Arkansas earn $10,917 less than the national median of $68,230.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $57,313 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $68,230 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: zoologists at the 10th percentile earn $35,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $94,080 — a $58,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $60,042.

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 Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level zoologist earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
$-16,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $35,280
25th Percentile $45,360
Median (50th) $57,313
75th Percentile $75,600
90th Percentile $94,080

Zoologist Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for zoologists in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Zoologist in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas'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 $30,887 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Zoologist make in Arkansas? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Arkansas is $57,313 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $94,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,313, a zoologist in Arkansas earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for zoologists? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for zoologist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level zoologists earn $37,800, while senior professionals earn $88,200.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for zoologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for zoologists is Hawaii at $115,991. Arkansas's median of $57,313 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($59,360) and Oklahoma ($58,678).
What is the entry-level zoologist salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level zoologist in Arkansas earns approximately $37,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,200.
What city in Arkansas pays zoologists the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for zoologists, with a median salary of $60,042. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.