Agriculture & Environment Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Zoologist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median zoologist salary in Arlington, VA is $90,064 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$90,064
vs State Avg
+$19,105
vs National
+$21,834
Cost of Living
132%

Zoologist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median zoologist salary of $90,064, which is $19,105 above the Virginia state average of $70,959. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,064 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Arlington spans from $55,440 at the 10th percentile to $147,840 at the 90th percentile — a $92,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,400, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,600. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level zoologist earns around $59,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,400
+$14,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,400
+$22,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,600
+$33,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $55,440
25th Percentile $71,280
Median (50th) $90,064
75th Percentile $118,800
90th Percentile $147,840

Zoologist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$69,595
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$68,230
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$66,865
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$65,501
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Zoologist in Arlington

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open zoologist positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Zoologist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $90,064 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $55,440 (10th percentile) to $147,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,064, a zoologist in Arlington earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Arlington's median zoologist salary of $90,064 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $70,959. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $90,064 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Arlington? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Arlington 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.