Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Columbia, SC
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $79,580 a year ($38.26 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $54,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,830 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $76,780. Pay here is 24% higher than the South Carolina statewide median of $64,090. There are 0.14 zoologists and wildlife biologists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $81,180, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $54,390 | $26.15 |
| 25th percentile | $62,080 | $29.85 |
| Median | $79,580 | $38.26 |
| 75th percentile | $111,830 | $53.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $111,830 | $53.77 |
| Average (mean) | $81,180 | $39.03 |
Half of zoologists and wildlife biologists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,631.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,315.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,060.77 |
| Weekly | $1,530.38 |
| Hourly | $38.26 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $79,580 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $58,260 | 130 |
Highest-paying states for zoologists and wildlife biologists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $107,500 |
| District of Columbia | $107,050 |
| California | $98,530 |
| Alaska | $90,370 |
| Mississippi | $88,710 |
| Louisiana | $87,460 |
| Oregon | $85,150 |
| Hawaii | $84,910 |
| Massachusetts | $84,350 |
| Washington | $83,780 |
See Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay in every state or the South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Scientist | $45,910 | $22.07 |
| Forester | $89,990 | $43.26 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $51,840 | $24.92 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $79,160 | $38.06 |
| Chemical Technician | $64,740 | $31.12 |
| Chemist | $73,430 | $35.30 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $99,960 | $48.06 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $62,090 | $29.85 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $51,290 | $24.66 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $85,300 | $41.01 |
| Hydrologist | $65,770 | $31.62 |
| School Psychologist | $81,370 | $39.12 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $83,780 | $40.28 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $71,910 | $34.57 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-1023. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a zoologists and wildlife biologists make in Columbia, SC?
The median salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists in the Columbia, SC metro area is $79,580 a year, or $38.26 an hour. Pay ranges from $54,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid zoologists and wildlife biologists make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of zoologists and wildlife biologists in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $111,830 a year. The top 25% earn $111,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $54,390 a year, and a quarter of zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $62,080 or less.
How many zoologists and wildlife biologists work in Columbia, SC?
About 50 zoologists and wildlife biologists are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.