Zoologist Salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL: $78,465 (2026)

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

Fort Lauderdale offers a median zoologist salary of $78,465, which is $11,600 above the Florida state average of $66,865. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $78,465 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Fort Lauderdale spans from $48,300 at the 10th percentile to $128,800 at the 90th percentile — a $80,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,750, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,750. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level zoologist earns around $51,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$51,750

+$6,750 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$80,500

+$10,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$120,750

+$15,750 vs national

Percentile	Fort Lauderdale	FL State	National
10th Percentile	$48,300	$41,160	$42,000
25th Percentile	$62,100	$52,920	$54,000
Median (50th)	$78,465	$66,865	$68,230
75th Percentile	$103,500	$88,200	$90,000
90th Percentile	$128,800	$109,760	$112,000

Percentile

Fort Lauderdale

10th Percentile

$48,300

25th Percentile

$62,100

Median (50th)

$78,465

75th Percentile

$103,500

90th Percentile

$128,800

How to Become a Zoologist in Fort Lauderdale

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a Zoologist make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

The median zoologist salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $78,465 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $48,300 (10th percentile) to $128,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Fort Lauderdale? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $78,465, a zoologist in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for zoologist pay? ▼

Fort Lauderdale's median zoologist salary of $78,465 is 17.3% above the Florida state average of $66,865. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $78,465 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Fort Lauderdale? ▼

Most zoologist positions in Fort Lauderdale 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.

Zoologist Salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida