Agriculture & Environment Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Zoologist Salary in Portland, Maine

The median zoologist salary in Portland, ME is $73,688 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$73,688
vs State Avg
+$6,823
vs National
+$5,458
Cost of Living
108%

Zoologist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median zoologist salary of $73,688, which is $6,823 above the Maine state average of $66,865. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% 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 Portland spans from $45,360 at the 10th percentile to $120,960 at the 90th percentile — a $75,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,600, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,400. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level zoologist earns around $48,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,600
+$3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,400
+$8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $45,360
25th Percentile $58,320
Median (50th) $73,688
75th Percentile $97,200
90th Percentile $120,960

Zoologist Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Portland

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Portland

Browse open zoologist positions in Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Portland

How much does a Zoologist make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Portland, Maine is $73,688 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $45,360 (10th percentile) to $120,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,688, a zoologist in Portland earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Portland's median zoologist salary of $73,688 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $66,865. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $73,688 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Portland? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Portland 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.