Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Tennessee
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Tennessee earn a median of $73,570 a year ($35.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 310 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,330 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $76,780. Tennessee ranks 29th of 47 states for zoologists and wildlife biologists pay. There are 0.09 zoologists and wildlife biologists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $75,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,840 | $24.44 |
| 25th percentile | $59,210 | $28.46 |
| Median | $73,570 | $35.37 |
| 75th percentile | $87,730 | $42.18 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,330 | $47.75 |
| Average (mean) | $75,360 | $36.23 |
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 | $6,130.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,065.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,829.62 |
| Weekly | $1,414.81 |
| Hourly | $35.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $73,570 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $79,440 | 70 |
| Knoxville, TN | $62,670 | 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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $102,720 | $49.39 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $80,500 | $38.70 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $61,950 | $29.78 |
| Conservation Scientist | $70,500 | $33.90 |
| Epidemiologist | $97,310 | $46.78 |
| Microbiologist | $77,630 | $37.32 |
| Forester | $71,990 | $34.61 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $81,760 | $39.31 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $134,560 | $64.69 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $108,770 | $52.30 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $81,190 | $39.03 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| Chemical Technician | $54,840 | $26.36 |
| Biological Technician | $50,840 | $24.44 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Tennessee is $73,570 a year, or $35.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $50,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid zoologists and wildlife biologists make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of zoologists and wildlife biologists in Tennessee earn at least $99,330 a year. The top 25% earn $87,730 or more.
What is the starting pay for zoologists and wildlife biologists in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,840 a year, and a quarter of zoologists and wildlife biologists earn $59,210 or less.
How many zoologists and wildlife biologists work in Tennessee?
About 310 zoologists and wildlife biologists are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.