Agriculture & Environment Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Zoologist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median zoologist salary in Memphis, TN is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$58,678
vs State Avg
$-2,047
vs National
$-9,552
Cost of Living
86%

Zoologist Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median zoologist salary of $58,678, which is $2,047 below the Tennessee state average of $60,725. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $58,678 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Memphis spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $96,320 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level zoologist earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

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

Zoologist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$68,230
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$62,772
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$60,042
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$60,042
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Zoologist in Memphis

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Memphis

Browse open zoologist positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Zoologist make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Memphis, Tennessee 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 Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,678, a zoologist in Memphis earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Memphis's median zoologist salary of $58,678 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $60,725. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $58,678 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Memphis? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Memphis 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.