Animal Scientist Salary in Washington (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Animal Scientists in Washington, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$83,160
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.98
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+21% vs US median
US median $68,940
State Rank
#4 of 13
40 employed here

How much does an Animal Scientist make in Washington?

Animal Scientists in Washington take home a median of $83,160 annually — roughly $39.98 an hour — which runs 21% above the national median of $68,940.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $63,730 while the top 10% make $112,450 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $63,730 and $95,220 a year.

Animal Scientist salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$63,730$30.64
25th percentile (early career)$63,730$30.64
50th percentile (median)$83,160$39.98
75th percentile (experienced)$95,220$45.78
90th percentile (top earners)$112,450$54.06

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 4th out of 13 states and territories for Animal Scientist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Texas$132,830
2Minnesota$88,640
3Wisconsin$84,310
4Washington$83,160
5Kansas$80,090

Working as an Animal Scientist in Washington

Nationally, about 3,000 people work as Animal Scientists in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.

Considering a move? Compare Washington pay ($83,160) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Animal Scientist make in Washington?
The median Animal Scientist salary in Washington is $83,160 per year, or about $39.98 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $63,730 at the entry level to $112,450 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Animal Scientists about 21% more than the national median of $68,940. Washington ranks 4th out of 13 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Animal Scientists?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $83,160 a year. About 40 Animal Scientists are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Animal Scientist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.