Agriculture & Environment Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Zoologist Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median zoologist salary in Wheeling, WV is $53,219 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$53,219
vs State Avg
$-4,094
vs National
$-15,011
Cost of Living
78%

Zoologist Pay in Wheeling: What to Expect (2026)

Wheeling offers a median zoologist salary of $53,219, which is $4,094 below the West Virginia state average of $57,313. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $53,219 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,229 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Wheeling spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $87,360 at the 90th percentile — a $54,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,100, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,900. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level zoologist earns around $35,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,100
$-9,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
$-15,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,900
$-23,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $42,120
Median (50th) $53,219
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $87,360

Zoologist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$61,407
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$60,042
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$55,949
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$54,584
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Zoologist in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Zoologist Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open zoologist positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Zoologist make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $53,219 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $87,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,219, a zoologist in Wheeling earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Wheeling's median zoologist salary of $53,219 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $57,313. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $53,219 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Wheeling? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Wheeling 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.