Agriculture & Environment Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Zoologist Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median zoologist salary in Aurora, IL is $64,819 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$64,819
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,411
Cost of Living
95%

Zoologist Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median zoologist salary of $64,819, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $64,819. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% 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 Aurora spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $106,400 at the 90th percentile — a $66,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,750, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,750. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level zoologist earns around $42,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,750
$-2,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
$-5,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $51,300
Median (50th) $64,819
75th Percentile $85,500
90th Percentile $106,400

Zoologist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Aurora

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Aurora

Browse open zoologist positions in Aurora, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Aurora

How much does a Zoologist make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Aurora, Illinois is $64,819 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $106,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,819, a zoologist in Aurora earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Aurora's median zoologist salary of $64,819 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $64,819. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $64,819 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Aurora? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Aurora 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.