Agriculture & Environment Bozeman, MT Pop. 53,293

Zoologist Salary in Bozeman, Montana

The median zoologist salary in Bozeman, MT is $78,465 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 21.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$78,465
vs State Avg
+$13,646
vs National
+$10,235
Cost of Living
115%

Zoologist Pay in Bozeman: What to Expect (2026)

Bozeman offers a median zoologist salary of $78,465, which is $13,646 above the Montana state average of $64,819. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Bozeman pays above average for this role.

However, Bozeman's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $78,465 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bozeman should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Bozeman spans from $48,300 at the 10th percentile to $128,800 at the 90th percentile — a $80,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,750, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,750. Bozeman is a smaller market (pop. 53,293), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Bozeman by Experience

In Bozeman, an entry-level zoologist earns around $51,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,750
+$6,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,500
+$10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,750
+$15,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bozeman, MT

Percentile Bozeman
10th Percentile $48,300
25th Percentile $62,100
Median (50th) $78,465
75th Percentile $103,500
90th Percentile $128,800

Zoologist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Missoula, MT
$69,595
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$65,501
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$64,136
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$60,042
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Zoologist in Bozeman

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Bozeman

Browse open zoologist positions in Bozeman, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Bozeman

How much does a Zoologist make in Bozeman, MT? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Bozeman, Montana is $78,465 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $48,300 (10th percentile) to $128,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Bozeman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,465, a zoologist in Bozeman earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bozeman compare to the Montana state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Bozeman's median zoologist salary of $78,465 is 21.1% above the Montana state average of $64,819. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT? ▼
Bozeman has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $78,465 in Bozeman has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Bozeman? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Bozeman 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.