Agriculture & Environment Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Zoologist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median zoologist salary in Boston, MA is $103,710 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$103,710
vs State Avg
+$11,599
vs National
+$35,480
Cost of Living
152%

Zoologist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median zoologist salary of $103,710, which is $11,599 above the Massachusetts state average of $92,111. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $103,710 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Boston spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $170,240 at the 90th percentile — a $106,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,400, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level zoologist earns around $68,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,400
+$23,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,400
+$36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
+$54,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $82,080
Median (50th) $103,710
75th Percentile $136,800
90th Percentile $170,240

Zoologist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$109,168
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$75,053
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$71,642
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$66,865
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Zoologist in Boston

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Boston

Browse open zoologist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Boston

How much does a Zoologist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $103,710 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $170,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,710, a zoologist in Boston earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Boston's median zoologist salary of $103,710 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $92,111. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $103,710 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Boston? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Boston 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.