Agriculture & Environment Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Zoologist Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median zoologist salary in Indianapolis, IN is $63,454 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$63,454
vs State Avg
+$2,047
vs National
$-4,776
Cost of Living
93%

Zoologist Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median zoologist salary of $63,454, which is $2,047 above the Indiana state average of $61,407. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $39,060 at the 10th percentile to $104,160 at the 90th percentile — a $65,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,850, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,650. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level zoologist earns around $41,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,850
$-3,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,100
$-4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,650
$-7,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $39,060
25th Percentile $50,220
Median (50th) $63,454
75th Percentile $83,700
90th Percentile $104,160

Zoologist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$71,642
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$57,996
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$57,313
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$56,631
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Zoologist in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open zoologist positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Zoologist make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $63,454 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $39,060 (10th percentile) to $104,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,454, a zoologist in Indianapolis earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median zoologist salary of $63,454 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $61,407. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $63,454 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Indianapolis? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Indianapolis 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.