Agriculture & Environment Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Zoologist Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median zoologist salary in Portland, OR is $80,511 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$80,511
vs State Avg
+$5,458
vs National
+$12,281
Cost of Living
118%

Zoologist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median zoologist salary of $80,511, which is $5,458 above the Oregon state average of $75,053. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $80,511 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Portland spans from $49,560 at the 10th percentile to $132,160 at the 90th percentile — a $82,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,100, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,900. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level zoologist earns around $53,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,100
+$8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,600
+$12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,900
+$18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $49,560
25th Percentile $63,720
Median (50th) $80,511
75th Percentile $106,200
90th Percentile $132,160

Zoologist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$76,418
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$73,688
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$71,642
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$69,595
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Zoologist in Portland

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Portland

Browse open zoologist positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Portland

How much does a Zoologist make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Portland, Oregon is $80,511 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $49,560 (10th percentile) to $132,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,511, a zoologist in Portland earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Portland's median zoologist salary of $80,511 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $75,053. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $80,511 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Portland? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Portland 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.