Agriculture & Environment Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Zoologist Salary in Houston, Texas

The median zoologist salary in Houston, TX is $65,501 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$65,501
vs State Avg
+$2,729
vs National
$-2,729
Cost of Living
96%

Zoologist Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median zoologist salary of $65,501, which is $2,729 above the Texas state average of $62,772. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $107,520 at the 90th percentile — a $67,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Zoologist Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level zoologist earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-1,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
$-4,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $51,840
Median (50th) $65,501
75th Percentile $86,400
90th Percentile $107,520

Zoologist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Houston

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Houston

Browse open zoologist positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Houston

How much does a Zoologist make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Houston, Texas is $65,501 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $107,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,501, a zoologist in Houston earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Houston's median zoologist salary of $65,501 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $62,772. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $65,501 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Houston? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Houston 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.