Agriculture & Environment Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Zoologist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median zoologist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $99,616 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$99,616
vs State Avg
+$5,459
vs National
+$31,386
Cost of Living
146%

Zoologist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median zoologist salary of $99,616, which is $5,459 above the California state average of $94,157. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $99,616 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Los Angeles spans from $61,320 at the 10th percentile to $163,520 at the 90th percentile — a $102,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,700, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,300. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level zoologist earns around $65,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,700
+$20,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,200
+$32,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,300
+$48,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $61,320
25th Percentile $78,840
Median (50th) $99,616
75th Percentile $131,400
90th Percentile $163,520

Zoologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$124,179
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$114,626
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$96,887
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$80,511
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Zoologist in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open zoologist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Zoologist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Los Angeles, California is $99,616 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $61,320 (10th percentile) to $163,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,616, a zoologist in Los Angeles earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median zoologist salary of $99,616 is 5.8% above the California state average of $94,157. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $99,616 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Los Angeles 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.