Agriculture & Environment Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Zoologist Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median zoologist salary in Paterson, NJ is $71,642 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$71,642
vs State Avg
$-6,823
vs National
+$3,412
Cost of Living
105%

Zoologist Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median zoologist salary of $71,642, which is $6,823 below the New Jersey state average of $78,465. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $44,100 at the 10th percentile to $117,600 at the 90th percentile — a $73,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,250, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,250. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level zoologist earns around $47,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,250
+$2,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,250
+$5,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $44,100
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $71,642
75th Percentile $94,500
90th Percentile $117,600

Zoologist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Paterson

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Paterson

Browse open zoologist positions in Paterson, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Paterson

How much does a Zoologist make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $71,642 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $117,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,642, a zoologist in Paterson earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Paterson's median zoologist salary of $71,642 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $78,465. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $71,642 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Paterson? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Paterson 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.