Agriculture & Environment Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Zoologist Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median zoologist salary in Missoula, MT is $69,595 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$69,595
vs State Avg
+$4,776
vs National
+$1,365
Cost of Living
102%

Zoologist Pay in Missoula: What to Expect (2026)

Missoula offers a median zoologist salary of $69,595, which is $4,776 above the Montana state average of $64,819. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for zoologists in Missoula spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $114,240 at the 90th percentile — a $71,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,900, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,100. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level zoologist earns around $45,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,900
+$900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
+$1,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,100
+$2,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $55,080
Median (50th) $69,595
75th Percentile $91,800
90th Percentile $114,240

Zoologist Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Missoula

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Missoula

Browse open zoologist positions in Missoula, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Missoula

How much does a Zoologist make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Missoula, Montana is $69,595 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,595, a zoologist in Missoula earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Missoula's median zoologist salary of $69,595 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $64,819. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $69,595 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Missoula? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Missoula 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.