How much does a zoologist and wildlife biologist make in Chicago?
$79,780a year
Median yearly pay for zoologist and wildlife biologists in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area. That is $38.36 an hour or $6,648 a month.
- Hourly
- $38.36
- Vs. national median
- +4%
- Rank among cities
- 42 of 97
- Jobs in the area
- 190
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $51,720Median: $79,780Highest 10%: $112,900
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $51,720 | $24.87 | |
| 25th | $61,220 | $29.43 | |
| Median | $79,780 | $38.36 | |
| 75th | $96,780 | $46.53 | |
| 90th | $112,900 | $54.28 |
Other cities in Illinois
Median yearly pay for zoologist and wildlife biologists.
| No other city in the state with data. |
Related jobs in Chicago
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Physicist | $137,100 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientist | $133,500 |
| Materials Scientist | $133,300 |
| Physical Scientist | $121,700 |
| Geoscientist | $114,000 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $112,800 |
| Social Scientist and Related Worker | $104,600 |
| Epidemiologist | $103,800 |
| Political Scientist | $103,800 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialist | $101,600 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a zoologist and wildlife biologist make an hour in Chicago?
The median hourly pay in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $38.36 ($79,780 a year).
Do zoologist and wildlife biologists make more in Chicago than the national average?
Yes: $79,780 against $76,780 nationally, 4% more.
How does Chicago compare with the rest of Illinois?
The median in Illinois is $79,780, so Chicago pays 0% more.
Where does Chicago rank for zoologist and wildlife biologist pay?
42 of 97 metro areas with data.
How much does a zoologist and wildlife biologist make starting out in Chicago?
The lowest-paid 10% make $51,720 or less a year; the top 10% make $112,900 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.