Agriculture & Environment Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Zoologist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median zoologist salary in Charlotte, NC is $66,865 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$66,865
vs State Avg
+$4,093
vs National
$-1,365
Cost of Living
98%

Zoologist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median zoologist salary of $66,865, which is $4,093 above the North Carolina state average of $62,772. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% 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 Charlotte spans from $41,160 at the 10th percentile to $109,760 at the 90th percentile — a $68,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,100, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,900. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level zoologist earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
$-900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,600
$-1,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,900
$-2,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $41,160
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $66,865
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $109,760

Zoologist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$66,865
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$64,819
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$60,042
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$58,678
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Zoologist in Charlotte

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open zoologist positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Zoologist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $66,865 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $109,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,865, a zoologist in Charlotte earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Charlotte's median zoologist salary of $66,865 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $62,772. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $66,865 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Charlotte? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Charlotte 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.