Agriculture & Environment Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Zoologist Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median zoologist salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $62,772 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$62,772
vs State Avg
$-682
vs National
$-5,458
Cost of Living
92%

Zoologist Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median zoologist salary of $62,772, which is $682 below the New Mexico state average of $63,454. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $103,040 at the 90th percentile — a $64,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,400, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level zoologist earns around $41,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $49,680
Median (50th) $62,772
75th Percentile $82,800
90th Percentile $103,040

Zoologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$75,053
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$64,819
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$60,042
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$55,949
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Zoologist in Rio Rancho

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open zoologist positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Zoologist make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $62,772 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $103,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,772, a zoologist in Rio Rancho earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median zoologist salary of $62,772 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $63,454. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $62,772 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Rio Rancho 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.