Houston Zoo Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Houston Zoo in the United States is $83,194. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Houston Zoo typically range from $72,998 to $95,016 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Houston Zoo Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Houston Zoo. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the General Manager, with an annual salary of $88,770. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

General Manager

$88,770 / year

Salary Range: $70,711 - $107,785

Restaurant Management

Groundskeeper

$43,096 / year

Salary Range: $36,901 - $51,169

Groundkeeping

Zookeeper I Childrens Zoo

$81,070 / year

Salary Range: $69,937 - $94,481

Facilities Management

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Houston Zoo.
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About Houston Zoo: Company Profile

Website
www.houstonzoo.org
Founded In
1967
Employees
500 - 1,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Location
HOUSTON
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Houston Zoo's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
This is a workplace for those who appreciate predictability and it is ideal for fast-paced career development. Work-life balance is supported with flexible schedules and wellness initiatives. They’re respectful of time and handle requests thoroughly. This applies not only to how we serve the public or our students but also to how employees are treated internally. The focus on community impact and ...
Innovation is minimal, and change takes time. Leadership genuinely values feedback. The benefits are good, but salaries tend to stagnate. The culture emphasizes process and compliance more than creativity or agility. The organization is steady and mission-driven, though not particularly dynamic. This organization excels at fostering an inclusive, supportive work environment with transparent leader...
This is one of the most organized and professional teams I’ve worked with. The benefits are excellent, especially the pension and healthcare plans. What I enjoy most about this job is the consistency. Work is steady, with standard benefits and typical government structure.

Is Houston Zoo’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Houston 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
H A TOWN OF LEDYARD $82,146
-1.3%
Suggests H A TOWN OF LEDYARD utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
H.A.Y. FOUNDATION $74,562
-10.4%
H.A.Y. FOUNDATION operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
H.E.R.O.E.S. $73,847
-11.2%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where H.E.R.O.E.S. primarily operates.
H COUNCILL TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE $69,076
-17.0%
H COUNCILL TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+38.6%
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.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Houston?

Understanding the cost of living near Houston is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Houston Zoo.
Houston's Cost of Living Index is approximately 98.5 (1.5% less expensive than US average; 5.9% more than TX average). Major city, energy/medical hub, housing generally affordable for size, but varies. METRO bus/rail. When planning your budget based on a salary from Houston Zoo, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,200 - $1,800+ A significant portion of Houston Zoo salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 (High AC use) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (METRO Q Card monthly) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $590 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) $2,570 - $4,090+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Houston Zoo

FAQ 1: What is the average salary for employees at Houston Zoo?
The average annual total compensation for employees at Houston Zoo is approximately $83,194. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $72,998 to $95,016, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does Houston Zoo pay compared to H A TOWN OF LEDYARD?
The average annual salary at Houston Zoo is $83,194, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to H A TOWN OF LEDYARD which pays $82,145 per year or $39 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at Houston Zoo?
Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at Houston Zoo for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.
FAQ 4: Does Houston Zoo offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Houston?
While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially Houston Zoo, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.
FAQ 5: What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at Houston Zoo?
Most companies, likely including Houston Zoo, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.