Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A zoologist and wildlife biologist earns a median of $76,780 a year ($36.91 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $83,020. About 18,120 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $76,780
- Gross pay
- $2,953.08
- Federal income tax
- −$310.06
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$183.09
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$42.82
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $2,417.11
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $76,780
- Federal
- $8,062
- FICA
- $5,874
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $62,845
- Marginal federal rate
- 22.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Historian: $76,750
- Forester: $76,400
- Soil and Plant Scientist: $78,850
- Conservation Scientist: $73,010
- Forensic Science Technician: $72,060
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist: $82,220
- Anthropologist and Archeologist: $70,770
- Survey Researcher: $69,460
BLS occupation: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 19-1023). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a zoologist and wildlife biologist make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $36.91; the average is $39.91.
What is the salary range for a zoologist and wildlife biologist?
The bottom 10% earn under $49,100 and the top 10% earn over $126,440 a year.
How much is $76,780 after taxes?
About $62,845 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $58,930 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.