Agriculture & Environment Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Zoologist Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median zoologist salary in Columbus, OH is $64,819 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$64,819
vs State Avg
+$3,412
vs National
$-3,411
Cost of Living
95%

Zoologist Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median zoologist salary of $64,819, which is $3,412 above the Ohio state average of $61,407. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus'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 Columbus 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 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH

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

Zoologist Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Columbus

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Columbus

Browse open zoologist positions in Columbus, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Columbus

How much does a Zoologist make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,819, a zoologist in Columbus earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Columbus's median zoologist salary of $64,819 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $61,407. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $64,819 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Columbus? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Columbus 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.