Agriculture & Environment Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Zoologist Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median zoologist salary in Lake Charles, LA is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$58,678
vs State Avg
$-3,411
vs National
$-9,552
Cost of Living
86%

Zoologist Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median zoologist salary of $58,678, which is $3,411 below the Louisiana state average of $62,089. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $58,678 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Lake Charles spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $96,320 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level zoologist earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,300
$-14,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $46,440
Median (50th) $58,678
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $96,320

Zoologist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$66,865
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$62,772
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$60,042
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$57,996
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Zoologist in Lake Charles

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open zoologist positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Zoologist make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $96,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,678, a zoologist in Lake Charles earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median zoologist salary of $58,678 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $62,089. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $58,678 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Lake Charles? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Lake Charles 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.