Zoologist Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The median zoologist salary in Santa Fe, NM is $75,053 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.
Zoologist Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)
Santa Fe offers a median zoologist salary of $75,053, which is $11,599 above the New Mexico state average of $63,454. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.
Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $46,200 at the 10th percentile to $123,200 at the 90th percentile — a $77,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,500, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,500. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Zoologist Salary in Santa Fe by Experience
In Santa Fe, an entry-level zoologist earns around $49,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM
| Percentile | Santa Fe |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,400 |
| Median (50th) | $75,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,200 |
Zoologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities
How to Become a Zoologist in Santa Fe
Education
Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Santa Fe may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Zoologist Jobs in Santa Fe
Browse open zoologist positions in Santa Fe, NM: