Agriculture & Environment Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Zoologist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median zoologist salary in Detroit, MI is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$60,042
vs State Avg
$-1,365
vs National
$-8,188
Cost of Living
88%

Zoologist Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median zoologist salary of $60,042, which is $1,365 below the Michigan state average of $61,407. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $60,042 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Detroit spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,560 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level zoologist earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $60,042
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $98,560

Zoologist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$71,642
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$61,407
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$60,042
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$58,678
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Zoologist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open zoologist positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Zoologist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Detroit, Michigan is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $98,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,042, a zoologist in Detroit earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Detroit's median zoologist salary of $60,042 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $61,407. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $60,042 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Detroit? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Detroit 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.