Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary Overview in Tucson, AZ
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist pay in Tucson, AZ at about $69,140.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $51,560.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $101,250.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Tucson, Az metropolitan area.
If you’re comparing Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries in Tucson, AZ, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Tucson, AZ vs. U.S. National Average
Tucson, AZ pays -5% vs u.s. for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Tucson, AZ | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ (this guide) | $69,140.0 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $72,860.0 | +5% vs U.S. | National baseline |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $75,640.0 | +9% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Phoenix, AZ | $72,600.0 | +5% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Phoenix, AZ | $70,290.0 | +2% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary by Experience Level in Tucson, AZ
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Tucson, AZ, this breakdown shows how aZoologist and Wildlife Biologist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | 0-2 years | $56,317.0 | $51,530.0 - $69,140.0 | -23% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | 3-5 years | $69,140.0 | $56,317.0 - $84,951.0 | -5% vs U.S. |
| Senior Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | 6-10 years | $84,951.0 | $69,140.0 - $101,191 | +17% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | 10+ years | $101,191 | $84,951.0 - $123,454 | +39% vs U.S. |
Best Salary Areas Near Tucson, AZ
Nearby metro areas help show how Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist pay changes around Tucson, AZ. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary by Industry in Tucson, AZ
Industry premiums in Tucson, AZ usually come from employers that place the Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service | $75,030.0 | $50,630.0 - $114,630 | Stronger salary |
| Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service | $74,960.0 | $50,340.0 - $114,590 | Stronger salary |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $74,270.0 | $47,550.0 - $122,750 | Stronger salary |
| Educational Services | $67,040.0 | $47,180.0 - $112,090 | Competitive |
| Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services | $66,680.0 | $49,130.0 - $91,500.0 | Competitive |
| Other Services Except Public Administration | $58,720.0 | $39,760.0 - $96,550.0 | Competitive |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $48,310.0 | $36,600.0 - $77,780.0 | Competitive |
Entry-Level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Tucson, AZ
Entry-level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist jobs in Tucson, AZ are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Pay in Tucson, AZ
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist candidates in Tucson, AZ. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $67,757.2 | Market dependent | National hiring pools | High |
| Hybrid | $70,522.8 | Metro dependent | Tucson, AZ employers | Medium |
| Onsite | $69,140.0 | Location dependent | Local teams and operations | Lower |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Tucson, AZ
A salary in Tucson, AZ should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists in Tucson, AZ
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist pay tends to be strongest in Tucson, AZ, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Tucson, AZ Compared With Other U.S. Cities
This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherTucson, AZ is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary Trends in Tucson, AZ Over Time
Historical salary trend data for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist in Tucson, AZ is available across multiple BLS wage years. The chart below shows how the local salary benchmark has changed over time.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($69.2K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Tucson, AZ
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 18.2k → 18.5k |
| Typical education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Related experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Local market anchor | 50 jobs with a median of $69,140.0 |
Factors Affecting Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Tucson, AZ
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Tucson, AZ
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Tucson, AZ: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
What is the average Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists salary?⌄
What is the entry-level Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists salary?⌄
How much can senior Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists professionals earn?⌄
Does location affect Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists salary?⌄
Which skills matter for Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists salary growth?⌄
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.