Agriculture & Environment Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Zoologist Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median zoologist salary in Silver Spring, MD is $83,241 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$83,241
vs State Avg
+$8,188
vs National
+$15,011
Cost of Living
122%

Zoologist Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median zoologist salary of $83,241, which is $8,188 above the Maryland state average of $75,053. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $83,241 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Silver Spring spans from $51,240 at the 10th percentile to $136,640 at the 90th percentile — a $85,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,900, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,100. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level zoologist earns around $54,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,900
+$9,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,400
+$15,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,100
+$23,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $51,240
25th Percentile $65,880
Median (50th) $83,241
75th Percentile $109,800
90th Percentile $136,640

Zoologist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$80,511
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open zoologist positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Zoologist make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $83,241 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $51,240 (10th percentile) to $136,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,241, a zoologist in Silver Spring earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median zoologist salary of $83,241 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $75,053. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $83,241 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Silver Spring? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Silver Spring 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.