Agriculture & Environment Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Zoologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median zoologist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$60,042
vs State Avg
$-683
vs National
$-8,188
Cost of Living
88%

Zoologist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median zoologist salary of $60,042, which is $683 below the Iowa state average of $60,725. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $60,042 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Cedar Rapids spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,560 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level zoologist earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $60,042
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $98,560

Zoologist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$64,819
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$62,772
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$58,678
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$57,313
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Zoologist in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open zoologist positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Zoologist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $98,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,042, a zoologist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median zoologist salary of $60,042 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $60,725. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $60,042 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Cedar Rapids 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.