Zoologist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $55,949 (2026)

Zoologist Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median zoologist salary of $55,949, which is $3,411 below the Kentucky state average of $59,360. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro'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 Owensboro an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Owensboro 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. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, 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

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$34,440	$36,540	$42,000
25th Percentile	$44,280	$46,980	$54,000
Median (50th)	$55,949	$59,360	$68,230
75th Percentile	$73,800	$78,300	$90,000
90th Percentile	$91,840	$97,440	$112,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$34,440

25th Percentile

$44,280

Median (50th)

$55,949

75th Percentile

$73,800

90th Percentile

$91,840

How to Become a Zoologist in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Zoologist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median zoologist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky 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 Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,949, a zoologist in Owensboro earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for zoologist pay? ▼

Owensboro's median zoologist salary of $55,949 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $59,360. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $55,949 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Owensboro? ▼

Most zoologist positions in Owensboro 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.

Zoologist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky