Denver Zoo Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Denver Zoo in the United States is $96,092. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $46. Salaries at Denver Zoo typically range from $83,975 to $110,050 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is Denver Zoo’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Denver Zoo's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Eden Autism Services Inc $105,280
+9.6%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Eden Autism Services Inc's sector.
Dalton Public Schools $86,051
-10.5%
Dalton Public Schools focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Irish Wheelchair Association $95,691
-0.4%
Suggests Irish Wheelchair Association utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
University of New England at Armidale $87,137
-9.3%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where University of New England at Armidale primarily operates.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+20.0%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Denver Zoo

Considering a career at Denver Zoo? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
The workplace culture encourages innovation and creativity, allowing employees to bring fresh ideas forward. This applies not only to how we serve the public or our students but also to how employees are treated internally. It’s a core value that defines our operational ethos and builds trust. The mission is clear, but innovation is limited by strict policies.
There’s a sense of community and purpose you don’t find everywhere. Training is available, but it's largely self-directed. Overall, it’s a stable and rewarding place to build a meaningful career that positively impacts communities. Services are delivered as promised, but turnaround time can take time.
You see the direct results of your efforts in improved educational outcomes or more efficient government operations. One of the best aspects of working here is the focus on work-life balance. The organization's commitment to fostering lifelong learning among its staff is highly commendable and beneficial. I’ve had several opportunities to take on new projects and develop professionally. The compan...
Clear protocols and well-maintained facilities create an environment where we can focus on our core responsibilities without undue concern, ensuring a productive and secure setting for everyone involved in our operations. Structure can feel bureaucratic occasionally. The meaningful work we do in public service provides a strong sense of purpose and pride.
I deeply appreciate dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you prefer routine and structure, it’s a reliable place to work, though it may not excite high achievers. It’s a place where you can genuinely make a difference. Benefits are generous, and employee morale is consistently high. Interactions have been mostly smooth with occasional delays.

Denver Zoo Overview

Website
www.denverzoo.org
Founded In
1896
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
2300 N Steele St Denver Colorado CO 80205
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 7203371400
Social Media
About Denver Zoo
Home to more than 4,000 animals, representing 600 species, Denver Zoo is committed to species conservation by bringing science education to life and providing extraordinary experiences that foster human and animal connections. It is the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving more than 2 million people per year. Located in Denver's City Park, the Zoo is a nonprofit organization accr

What Benefits Does Denver Zoo Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Denver Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Denver?

Understanding the cost of living near Denver is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Denver Zoo.
Denver's Cost of Living Index is approximately 112.1 (12.1% more expensive than US average; 6.5% more than CO average). Housing costs are the primary driver above US average, high demand, vibrant city. Light Rail/Bus (RTD). When planning your budget based on a salary from Denver Zoo, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,600 - $2,400+ A significant portion of Denver Zoo salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $114 (RTD monthly regional pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $420 - $620 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $750+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,044 - $4,694+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Denver Zoo

1. How much does a Denver Zoo employee make?

Denver Zoo pays its employees an average of $96,092 per year. The average salary at Denver Zoo range from $83,975 to $110,050 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than Denver Zoo?

The salary at Denver Zoo is lesser than the similar company. The average annual salary at Denver Zoo is $96,092, or an hourly wage of $46, in comparison to Eden Autism Services Inc which pays $105,280 per year or $51 per hour.

3. How much does a President & Chief Executive Officer typically earn at Denver Zoo?

A President & Chief Executive Officer at Denver Zoo typically earns an average annual base salary of around $743,839, with a general range of $565,569 to $949,475.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Denver Zoo?

In many roles at Denver Zoo, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

5. How does the cost of living near Denver affect the perceived value of a Denver Zoo salary?

Denver's Cost of Living Index is approximately 112.1 (12.1% more expensive than US average; 6.5% more than CO average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Denver Zoo based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Denver" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does Denver Zoo typically offer employees?

Denver Zoo generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Denver Zoo" section on this page.