Agriculture & Environment Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Zoologist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median zoologist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $64,819 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$64,819
vs State Avg
+$1,365
vs National
$-3,411
Cost of Living
95%

Zoologist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median zoologist salary of $64,819, which is $1,365 above the New Mexico state average of $63,454. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $106,400 at the 90th percentile — a $66,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,750, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,750. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level zoologist earns around $42,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,750
$-2,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
$-5,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $51,300
Median (50th) $64,819
75th Percentile $85,500
90th Percentile $106,400

Zoologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$75,053
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$62,772
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$60,042
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$55,949
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Zoologist in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open zoologist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Zoologist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $64,819 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $106,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,819, a zoologist in Albuquerque earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median zoologist salary of $64,819 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $63,454. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $64,819 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Albuquerque 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.