Agriculture & Environment Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Zoologist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median zoologist salary in Reading, PA is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$60,042
vs State Avg
$-5,459
vs National
$-8,188
Cost of Living
88%

Zoologist Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median zoologist salary of $60,042, which is $5,459 below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,501. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $60,042 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Reading spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,560 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level zoologist earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $60,042
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $98,560

Zoologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$69,595
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$64,136
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$63,454
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$57,313
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Zoologist in Reading

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Reading 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Reading

Browse open zoologist positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Reading

How much does a Zoologist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $98,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,042, a zoologist in Reading earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Reading's median zoologist salary of $60,042 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,501. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $60,042 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Reading? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Reading 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.