Agriculture & Environment Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Zoologist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median zoologist salary in Bellevue, WA is $103,710 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$103,710
vs State Avg
+$25,245
vs National
+$35,480
Cost of Living
152%

Zoologist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median zoologist salary of $103,710, which is $25,245 above the Washington state average of $78,465. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $103,710 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Bellevue spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $170,240 at the 90th percentile — a $106,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,400, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level zoologist earns around $68,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,400
+$23,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,400
+$36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
+$54,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $82,080
Median (50th) $103,710
75th Percentile $136,800
90th Percentile $170,240

Zoologist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$100,980
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$75,053
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$69,595
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$62,772
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Zoologist in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open zoologist positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Zoologist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $103,710 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $170,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,710, a zoologist in Bellevue earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median zoologist salary of $103,710 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $78,465. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $103,710 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Bellevue? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Bellevue 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.