Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in South Carolina
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Carolina earn a median of $64,090 a year ($30.81 an hour), based on BLS data for 250 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,830 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $76,780. South Carolina ranks 41st of 47 states for zoologists and wildlife biologists pay. There are 0.11 zoologists and wildlife biologists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $70,430, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for zoologists and wildlife biologists in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,740 | $22.47 |
| 25th percentile | $53,290 | $25.62 |
| Median | $64,090 | $30.81 |
| 75th percentile | $80,890 | $38.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $111,830 | $53.76 |
| Average (mean) | $70,430 | $33.86 |
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 | $5,340.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,670.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,465 |
| Weekly | $1,232.50 |
| Hourly | $30.81 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,090 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 cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC | $79,580 | 50 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Scientist | $52,310 | $25.15 |
| Forester | $86,780 | $41.72 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $91,560 | $44.02 |
| Microbiologist | $64,740 | $31.13 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $108,660 | $52.24 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $78,850 | $37.91 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $109,080 | $52.44 |
| Epidemiologist | $84,660 | $40.70 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $169,440 | $81.46 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $88,080 | $42.35 |
| Chemical Technician | $75,020 | $36.07 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $58,960 | $28.35 |
| Chemist | $79,670 | $38.30 |
| Nuclear Technician | $108,490 | $52.16 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
The median salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists in South Carolina is $64,090 a year, or $30.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid zoologists and wildlife biologists make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of zoologists and wildlife biologists in South Carolina earn at least $111,830 a year. The top 25% earn $80,890 or more.
What is the starting pay for zoologists and wildlife biologists in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,740 a year, and a quarter of zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $53,290 or less.
How many zoologists and wildlife biologists work in South Carolina?
About 250 zoologists and wildlife biologists are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.