Agriculture & Environment Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Zoologist Salary in Oklahoma

The median zoologist salary in Oklahoma is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $68,230.

Median Salary
$58,678
vs National
$-9,552
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Zoologist Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for zoologist compensation. Zoologist salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $58,678 per year, zoologists in Oklahoma earn $9,552 less than the national median of $68,230.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $58,678 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $68,230 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: zoologists at the 10th percentile earn $36,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $96,320 — a $60,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $62,772.

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for zoologists across the country.

Zoologist Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level zoologist earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,300
$-14,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $46,440
Median (50th) $58,678
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $96,320

Zoologist Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for zoologists in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Zoologist in Oklahoma

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Zoologists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $31,622 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Zoologist make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Oklahoma is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $96,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,678, a zoologist in Oklahoma earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for zoologists? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for zoologist pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level zoologists earn $38,700, while senior professionals earn $90,300.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for zoologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for zoologists is Hawaii at $115,991. Oklahoma's median of $58,678 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($59,360) and Kentucky ($59,360).
What is the entry-level zoologist salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level zoologist in Oklahoma earns approximately $38,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $90,300.
What city in Oklahoma pays zoologists the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for zoologists, with a median salary of $62,772. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.