US
Gulfport, MS
Mississippi salary market
$128K
Avg / Year
+76% vs U.S.
vs National
30
Employment
$10.7K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Gulfport, MS (2026)

The Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary in Gulfport, MS for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Gulfport, MS market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets.

Official BLS baseline: 2024Gulfport, MS city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$128K
per year
Entry Level
$59.1K
starting range
Senior Level
$150K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$131K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$10.7K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$54
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary Overview in Gulfport, MS

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist pay in Gulfport, MS at about $128,202 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $52,140.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $158,850.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Gulfport-Biloxi, Ms metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Biloxi.

If you’re comparing Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries in Gulfport, MS, 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.

Gulfport, MS vs. U.S. National Average

Gulfport, MS pays +76% 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.

United States National Average
$72.9K
all U.S. markets combined
+76%
Gulfport, MS Premium
Gulfport, MS City Average
$128K
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
MarketProjected Salaryvs Gulfport, MSMarket Maturity
Gulfport, MS (this guide)$128,202BaselineLocal market
United States$72,860.0-43% vs U.S.National baseline
Jackson, MS$49,840.0-61% vs U.S.Comparable city
Jackson, MS$58,760.0-54% vs U.S.Comparable city
Jackson, MS$54,280.0-58% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Gulfport, MS pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary by Experience Level in Gulfport, MS

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Gulfport, MS, this breakdown shows how aZoologist and Wildlife Biologist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$95.3K
$62/hr median equivalent
$59.1K - $128K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$128K
$62/hr median equivalent
$95.3K - $150K
Senior
6-10 years
$150K
$62/hr median equivalent
$128K - $180K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$180K
$62/hr median equivalent
$150K - $220K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist0-2 years$95,275.0$59,139.0 - $128,202+31% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist3-5 years$128,202$95,275.0 - $149,832+76% vs U.S.
Senior Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist6-10 years$149,832$128,202 - $180,172+106% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist10+ years$180,172$149,832 - $219,810+147% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Gulfport, MS

Nearby metro areas help show how Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist pay changes around Gulfport, MS. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Gulfport, MS
$128K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Gulfport-Biloxi, Ms metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Biloxi.
This guide
#2
Jackson, MS
$49.8K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries around Gulfport, MS.
-61% vs U.S.
#3
Jackson, MS
$58.8K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries around Gulfport, MS.
-54% vs U.S.
#4
Jackson, MS
$54.3K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salaries around Gulfport, MS.
-58% vs U.S.

Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary by Industry in Gulfport, MS

Industry premiums in Gulfport, MS 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.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$75,030.0$50,630.0 - $114,630Stronger salary
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$74,960.0$50,340.0 - $114,590Stronger salary
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$74,270.0$47,550.0 - $122,750Stronger salary
Educational Services$67,040.0$47,180.0 - $112,090Competitive
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services$66,680.0$49,130.0 - $91,500.0Competitive
Other Services Except Public Administration$58,720.0$39,760.0 - $96,550.0Competitive
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation$48,310.0$36,600.0 - $77,780.0Competitive

Entry-Level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Gulfport, MS

Entry-level Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist jobs in Gulfport, MS 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.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles in Gulfport, MS is about $95,275.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. Training signal: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Remote vs Onsite Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Pay in Gulfport, MS

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist candidates in Gulfport, MS. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$128,202
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$130,766
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$125,638Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$130,766Metro dependentGulfport, MS employersMedium
Onsite$128,202Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Gulfport, MS

A salary in Gulfport, MS 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.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$1.7K
$2.4K
$3.0K
Transport / commute
$373.9
$427.3
$480.8
Food and groceries
$801.3
$854.7
$961.5
Utilities and internet
$373.9
$427.3
$480.8
Estimated remainder
$3.6K
$5.6K
$6.8K
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Top Employers Hiring Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists in Gulfport, MS

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 Gulfport, MS, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$75.0K
Industry benchmark for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$75.0K
Industry benchmark for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employers
$74.3K
Industry benchmark for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Educational Services employers
$67.0K
Industry benchmark for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services employers
$66.7K
Industry benchmark for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Other Services Except Public Administration employers
$58.7K
Industry benchmark for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Gulfport, MS Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherGulfport, MS is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Gulfport, MS
This guide
$128K
Baseline
Jackson, MS
Nearby U.S. market
$49.8K
-61% vs U.S.
Jackson, MS
Nearby U.S. market
$58.8K
-54% vs U.S.
Jackson, MS
Nearby U.S. market
$54.3K
-58% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Gulfport, MS

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.

1
Intern / Trainee
$42.3K - $56.8K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$52.5K - $69.2K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$65.6K - $81.6K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$78.7K - $102K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$93.3K - $118K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$109K - $149K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 1.6% from 2024 to 2034.
About averageAnnual openings: 1.4 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment18.2k → 18.5k
Typical educationMost of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related experienceA 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 anchor30 jobs with a median of $128,202

Factors Affecting Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Gulfport, MS

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.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Gulfport, MS

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.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Salary in Gulfport, MS: 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?
The latest national baseline for Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists is about $72,900 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists salary?
Entry-level estimates for Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $48,200 per year nationally.
How much can senior Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists professionals earn?
Senior Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $90,600 per year nationally.
Does location affect Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
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.
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