Agriculture & Environment Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Zoologist Salary in Austin, Texas

The median zoologist salary in Austin, TX is $71,642 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$71,642
vs State Avg
+$8,870
vs National
+$3,412
Cost of Living
105%

Zoologist Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median zoologist salary of $71,642, which is $8,870 above the Texas state average of $62,772. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $44,100 at the 10th percentile to $117,600 at the 90th percentile — a $73,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,250, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,250. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level zoologist earns around $47,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,250
+$2,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,250
+$5,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $44,100
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $71,642
75th Percentile $94,500
90th Percentile $117,600

Zoologist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Austin

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Austin

Browse open zoologist positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Austin

How much does a Zoologist make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Austin, Texas is $71,642 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $117,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,642, a zoologist in Austin earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Austin's median zoologist salary of $71,642 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $62,772. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $71,642 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Austin? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Austin 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.