Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Michigan
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Michigan earn a median of $79,150 a year ($38.05 an hour), based on BLS data for 330 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,250 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $76,780. Michigan ranks 18th of 47 states for zoologists and wildlife biologists pay. There are 0.08 zoologists and wildlife biologists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.65). The average (mean) salary is $79,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,720 | $28.23 |
| 25th percentile | $63,520 | $30.54 |
| Median | $79,150 | $38.05 |
| 75th percentile | $92,600 | $44.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,250 | $50.12 |
| Average (mean) | $79,570 | $38.25 |
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 | $6,595.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,297.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,044.23 |
| Weekly | $1,522.12 |
| Hourly | $38.05 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $79,150 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in cities in Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $79,010 | 40 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $63,520 | 90 |
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 Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $84,310 | $40.53 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $81,540 | $39.20 |
| Conservation Scientist | $63,500 | $30.53 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $109,340 | $52.57 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $65,390 | $31.44 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $76,940 | $36.99 |
| Microbiologist | $78,680 | $37.83 |
| Forester | $75,920 | $36.50 |
| Epidemiologist | $84,990 | $40.86 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $63,960 | $30.75 |
| Animal Scientist | $60,010 | $28.85 |
| Chemist | $97,440 | $46.85 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $84,080 | $40.42 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $76,080 | $36.58 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Michigan is $79,150 a year, or $38.05 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,250 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid zoologists and wildlife biologists make in Michigan?
The top 10% of zoologists and wildlife biologists in Michigan earn at least $104,250 a year. The top 25% earn $92,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,720 a year, and a quarter of zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $63,520 or less.
How many zoologists and wildlife biologists work in Michigan?
About 330 zoologists and wildlife biologists are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.