Agriculture & Environment Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Zoologist Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median zoologist salary in Columbus, GA is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$58,678
vs State Avg
$-4,776
vs National
$-9,552
Cost of Living
86%

Zoologist Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median zoologist salary of $58,678, which is $4,776 below the Georgia state average of $63,454. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $58,678 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Columbus spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $96,320 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level zoologist earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,300
$-14,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $46,440
Median (50th) $58,678
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $96,320

Zoologist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$69,595
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$62,772
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$61,407
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$60,042
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Zoologist in Columbus

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Columbus

Browse open zoologist positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Columbus

How much does a Zoologist make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Columbus, Georgia is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $96,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,678, a zoologist in Columbus earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Columbus's median zoologist salary of $58,678 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $63,454. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $58,678 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Columbus? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Columbus 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.