Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Iowa (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Iowa, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$83,000
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.90
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+8% vs US median
US median $76,780
State Rank
#13 of 47
90 employed here

How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Iowa?

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists working in Iowa earn a median salary of $83,000 per year, or about $39.90 per hour. That is 8% above the national median of $76,780 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $59,850 while the top 10% make $90,420 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $73,520 and $83,000 a year.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$59,850$28.77
25th percentile (early career)$73,520$35.35
50th percentile (median)$83,000$39.90
75th percentile (experienced)$83,000$39.90
90th percentile (top earners)$90,420$43.47

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 13th out of 47 states and territories for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Maryland$107,500
2District of Columbia$107,050
3California$98,530
4Alaska$90,370
5Mississippi$88,710

Working as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Iowa

Nationally, about 18,000 people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($83,000) 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 do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in Iowa?
The median Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Iowa is $83,000 per year, or about $39.90 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $59,850 at the entry level to $90,420 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists about 8% more than the national median of $76,780. Iowa ranks 13th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
Yes on pay — Iowa pays above the national median for this occupation, at $83,000 a year. About 90 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists are employed in Iowa. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 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.