Agriculture & Environment Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Zoologist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median zoologist salary in Boulder, CO is $87,334 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$87,334
vs State Avg
+$15,692
vs National
+$19,104
Cost of Living
128%

Zoologist Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median zoologist salary of $87,334, which is $15,692 above the Colorado state average of $71,642. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,334 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Boulder spans from $53,760 at the 10th percentile to $143,360 at the 90th percentile — a $89,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,400. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level zoologist earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
+$12,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,600
+$19,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,400
+$29,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $53,760
25th Percentile $69,120
Median (50th) $87,334
75th Percentile $115,200
90th Percentile $143,360

Zoologist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$76,418
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$72,324
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$71,642
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$68,230
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Zoologist in Boulder

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open zoologist positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Zoologist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $87,334 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $53,760 (10th percentile) to $143,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,334, a zoologist in Boulder earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Boulder's median zoologist salary of $87,334 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $71,642. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $87,334 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Boulder? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Boulder 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.