Zoologist Salary in Parkersburg, WV: $54,584 (2026)

Zoologist Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median zoologist salary of $54,584, which is $2,729 below the West Virginia state average of $57,313. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $54,584 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Parkersburg spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $89,600 at the 90th percentile — a $56,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level zoologist earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,000

$-9,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,000

$-14,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$84,000

$-21,000 vs national

Percentile	Parkersburg	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$33,600	$35,280	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,200	$45,360	$54,000
Median (50th)	$54,584	$57,313	$68,230
75th Percentile	$72,000	$75,600	$90,000
90th Percentile	$89,600	$94,080	$112,000

Percentile

Parkersburg

10th Percentile

$33,600

25th Percentile

$43,200

Median (50th)

$54,584

75th Percentile

$72,000

90th Percentile

$89,600

How to Become a Zoologist in Parkersburg

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Zoologist make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

The median zoologist salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $54,584 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $89,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,584, a zoologist in Parkersburg earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for zoologist pay? ▼

Parkersburg's median zoologist salary of $54,584 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $57,313. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $54,584 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Parkersburg? ▼

Most zoologist positions in Parkersburg 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.

Zoologist Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia