Agriculture & Environment Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Zoologist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median zoologist salary in Columbia, MD is $80,511 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$80,511
vs State Avg
+$5,458
vs National
+$12,281
Cost of Living
118%

Zoologist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median zoologist salary of $80,511, which is $5,458 above the Maryland state average of $75,053. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $80,511 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Columbia spans from $49,560 at the 10th percentile to $132,160 at the 90th percentile — a $82,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,100, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,900. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level zoologist earns around $53,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,100
+$8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,600
+$12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,900
+$18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $49,560
25th Percentile $63,720
Median (50th) $80,511
75th Percentile $106,200
90th Percentile $132,160

Zoologist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$83,241
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$78,465
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$73,688
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$71,642
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Zoologist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open zoologist positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Zoologist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $80,511 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $49,560 (10th percentile) to $132,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,511, a zoologist in Columbia earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Columbia's median zoologist salary of $80,511 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $75,053. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $80,511 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Columbia? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Columbia 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.