Agriculture & Environment Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Zoologist Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median zoologist salary in Fort Collins, CO is $72,324 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$72,324
vs State Avg
+$682
vs National
+$4,094
Cost of Living
106%

Zoologist Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median zoologist salary of $72,324, which is $682 above the Colorado state average of $71,642. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for zoologists in Fort Collins spans from $44,520 at the 10th percentile to $118,720 at the 90th percentile — a $74,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,700, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,300. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level zoologist earns around $47,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,700
+$2,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,200
+$4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,300
+$6,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $44,520
25th Percentile $57,240
Median (50th) $72,324
75th Percentile $95,400
90th Percentile $118,720

Zoologist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open zoologist positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Zoologist make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $72,324 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $44,520 (10th percentile) to $118,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,324, a zoologist in Fort Collins earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median zoologist salary of $72,324 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $71,642. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $72,324 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Fort Collins? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Fort Collins 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.