Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $90,620 +24.4% vs national
Median hourly $43.57
10th percentile $42,680
90th percentile $152,260
Employed locally 50
National median $72,860

Compare Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary & buying power

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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
in
San Jose, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $42,680
    25th
    $62,380
    50th (median)
    $90,620
    75th
    $124,540
    90th
    $152,260

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary vs area income 58% Median Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary is 42% 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
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $122,170
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,810
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $93,640
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $90,900
    Salinas, CA $84,900
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $84,270

    Related occupations in San Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $155,990
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $132,230
    Biological Scientists, All Other $132,630
    Biological Technicians $71,920
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $101,520
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $75,670

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in San Jose, CA is $43.57, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $75.56 or more per hour.

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

    The median Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in San Jose, CA is 24.4% above 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 San Jose?

    Entry-level Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (10th percentile) earn around $42,680 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $62,380.