Agriculture & Environment Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Zoologist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median zoologist salary in Lafayette, LA is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$60,042
vs State Avg
$-2,047
vs National
$-8,188
Cost of Living
88%

Zoologist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median zoologist salary of $60,042, which is $2,047 below the Louisiana state average of $62,089. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for zoologists in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

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

Zoologist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$66,865
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$62,772
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$58,678
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$57,996
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Zoologist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open zoologist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Zoologist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,042, a zoologist in Lafayette earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median zoologist salary of $60,042 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $62,089. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $60,042 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Lafayette? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Lafayette 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.