Agriculture & Environment Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Zoologist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median zoologist salary in Sacramento, CA is $80,511 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$80,511
vs State Avg
$-13,646
vs National
+$12,281
Cost of Living
118%

Zoologist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median zoologist salary of $80,511, which is $13,646 below the California state average of $94,157. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $80,511 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Sacramento spans from $49,560 at the 10th percentile to $132,160 at the 90th percentile — a $82,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,100, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,900. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level zoologist earns around $53,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,100
+$8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,600
+$12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,900
+$18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $49,560
25th Percentile $63,720
Median (50th) $80,511
75th Percentile $106,200
90th Percentile $132,160

Zoologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$124,179
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$114,626
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$99,616
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$96,887
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Zoologist in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open zoologist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Zoologist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Sacramento, California is $80,511 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $49,560 (10th percentile) to $132,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,511, a zoologist in Sacramento earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median zoologist salary of $80,511 is 14.5% below the California state average of $94,157. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $80,511 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Sacramento? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Sacramento 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.