Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Durham, NC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Median annual salary $66,510 -8.7% vs national
Median hourly $31.98
10th percentile $50,350
90th percentile $108,140
Employed locally 50
National median $72,860

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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
in
Durham, NC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,350
    25th
    $60,190
    50th (median)
    $66,510
    75th
    $95,750
    90th
    $108,140

    Durham economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $81,017 2023 • Census ACS
    Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary vs area income 82% Median Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary is 18% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $122,170
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $121,890
    Gulfport-Biloxi, MS $113,030
    Salem, OR $98,110
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,810
    Rhode Island $97,050

    Nearby metros — Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,810
    Providence-Warwick, RI-MA $88,360
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $84,180
    Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $78,590
    Anchorage, AK $77,850
    Grand Junction, CO $70,940

    Related occupations in Durham, NC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Chemists $78,240
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $104,300
    Biological Scientists, All Other $96,780
    Biological Technicians $41,060
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $84,570
    Microbiologists $90,790

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make per hour in Durham?

    The median hourly wage for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Durham, NC is $31.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $54.32 or more per hour.

    Is Durham above or below average for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries?

    The median Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Durham, NC is 8.7% below the national median of $72,860. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Durham?

    Entry-level Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (10th percentile) earn around $50,350 per year in Durham, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,190.