Agriculture & Environment Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Zoologist Salary in Rochester, New York

The median zoologist salary in Rochester, NY is $61,407 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 26.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$61,407
vs State Avg
$-21,834
vs National
$-6,823
Cost of Living
90%

Zoologist Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median zoologist salary of $61,407, which is $21,834 below the New York state average of $83,241. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $100,800 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,500, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,500. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level zoologist earns around $40,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,000
$-7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,500
$-10,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $48,600
Median (50th) $61,407
75th Percentile $81,000
90th Percentile $100,800

Zoologist Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Rochester

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Rochester

Browse open zoologist positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Rochester

How much does a Zoologist make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Rochester, New York is $61,407 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,407, a zoologist in Rochester earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Rochester's median zoologist salary of $61,407 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $83,241. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $61,407 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Rochester? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Rochester 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.