Agriculture & Environment Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Zoologist Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median zoologist salary in Chesapeake, VA is $66,865 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$66,865
vs State Avg
$-4,094
vs National
$-1,365
Cost of Living
98%

Zoologist Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median zoologist salary of $66,865, which is $4,094 below the Virginia state average of $70,959. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $41,160 at the 10th percentile to $109,760 at the 90th percentile — a $68,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,100, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,900. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level zoologist earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
$-900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,600
$-1,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,900
$-2,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $41,160
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $66,865
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $109,760

Zoologist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open zoologist positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Zoologist make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $66,865 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $109,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,865, a zoologist in Chesapeake earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median zoologist salary of $66,865 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $70,959. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $66,865 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Chesapeake? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Chesapeake 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.