Agriculture & Environment Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Zoologist Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median zoologist salary in Charleston, SC is $68,230 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$68,230
vs State Avg
+$7,505
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Zoologist Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median zoologist salary of $68,230, which is $7,505 above the South Carolina state average of $60,725. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $112,000 at the 90th percentile — a $70,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level zoologist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $68,230
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $112,000

Zoologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Charleston

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Charleston

Browse open zoologist positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Charleston

How much does a Zoologist make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $68,230 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $112,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,230, a zoologist in Charleston earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Charleston's median zoologist salary of $68,230 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $60,725. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $68,230 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Charleston? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Charleston 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.