Agriculture & Environment Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Zoologist Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median zoologist salary in Springfield, IL is $57,996 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$57,996
vs State Avg
$-6,823
vs National
$-10,234
Cost of Living
85%

Zoologist Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median zoologist salary of $57,996, which is $6,823 below the Illinois state average of $64,819. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $57,996 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,231 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Springfield spans from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $95,200 at the 90th percentile — a $59,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,250, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,250. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level zoologist earns around $38,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,250
$-6,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,500
$-10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,250
$-15,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $35,700
25th Percentile $45,900
Median (50th) $57,996
75th Percentile $76,500
90th Percentile $95,200

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
Rockford, IL
$55,949
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Zoologist in Springfield

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open zoologist positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Zoologist make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Springfield, Illinois is $57,996 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $35,700 (10th percentile) to $95,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,996, a zoologist in Springfield earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Springfield's median zoologist salary of $57,996 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $64,819. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $57,996 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Springfield? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Springfield 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.