Agriculture & Environment San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Zoologist Salary in San Diego, California

The median zoologist salary in San Diego, CA is $96,887 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$96,887
vs State Avg
+$2,730
vs National
+$28,657
Cost of Living
142%

Zoologist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median zoologist salary of $96,887, which is $2,730 above the California state average of $94,157. Compared to the national median of $68,230, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,887 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in San Diego spans from $59,640 at the 10th percentile to $159,040 at the 90th percentile — a $99,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,900, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,100. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level zoologist earns around $63,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,900
+$18,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,400
+$29,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,100
+$44,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $59,640
25th Percentile $76,680
Median (50th) $96,887
75th Percentile $127,800
90th Percentile $159,040

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
Sacramento, CA
$80,511
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Zoologist in San Diego

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open zoologist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Zoologist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in San Diego, California is $96,887 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $59,640 (10th percentile) to $159,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,887, a zoologist in San Diego earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for zoologist pay? ▼
San Diego's median zoologist salary of $96,887 is 2.9% above the California state average of $94,157. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $96,887 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in San Diego? ▼
Most zoologist positions in San Diego 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.