Agriculture & Environment Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Zoologist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median zoologist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $69,595 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$69,595
vs State Avg
+$4,094
vs National
+$1,365
Cost of Living
102%

Zoologist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median zoologist salary of $69,595, which is $4,094 above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,501. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $114,240 at the 90th percentile — a $71,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,900, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,100. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level zoologist earns around $45,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,900
+$900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
+$1,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,100
+$2,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $55,080
Median (50th) $69,595
75th Percentile $91,800
90th Percentile $114,240

Zoologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$64,136
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$63,454
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$60,042
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$57,313
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Zoologist in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open zoologist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Zoologist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $69,595 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,595, a zoologist in Philadelphia earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median zoologist salary of $69,595 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,501. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $69,595 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Philadelphia 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.