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 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

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.