Agriculture & Environment Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Zoologist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median zoologist salary in Rockford, IL is $55,949 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$55,949
vs State Avg
$-8,870
vs National
$-12,281
Cost of Living
82%

Zoologist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median zoologist salary of $55,949, which is $8,870 below the Illinois state average of $64,819. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $55,949 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Rockford spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $91,840 at the 90th percentile — a $57,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,900, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,100. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level zoologist earns around $36,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,900
$-8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,100
$-18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $44,280
Median (50th) $55,949
75th Percentile $73,800
90th Percentile $91,840

Zoologist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$73,688
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$73,006
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$64,819
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$57,996
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Zoologist in Rockford

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open zoologist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Zoologist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $55,949 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $91,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,949, a zoologist in Rockford earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Rockford's median zoologist salary of $55,949 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $64,819. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $55,949 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Rockford? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Rockford 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.