Monterey Zoo Salary

As of October 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Monterey Zoo in the United States is $95,807. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $46. Salaries at Monterey Zoo typically range from $83,773 to $109,623 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Monterey Zoo Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Monterey Zoo. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Food And Beverage Manager, with an annual salary of $72,955. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Monterey Zoo’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Monterey 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
Disability Achievement Center $81,452
-15.0%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Clements Center $79,943
-16.6%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Clements Center primarily operates.
Youth Advocates for Change $102,727
+7.2%
Data suggests Youth Advocates for Change's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Africa Future Foundation $96,039
+0.2%
Confirms Africa Future Foundation is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+20.4%
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 Monterey Zoo

Considering a career at Monterey 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.
It’s a place where you can genuinely make a difference. There’s limited room for independent initiative. Leadership communicates well, but implementation of new ideas takes time. Professional, dedicated team of 50 employees providing exceptional educational support and government services. There’s a real sense of pride in the work we do.
If you prefer routine and structure, it’s a reliable place to work, though it may not excite high achievers. The job offers consistency and decent benefits, but the culture can be resistant to change. Wellness initiatives and flexible schedules support work-life balance, while the public service focus creates meaningful and rewarding work for all employees. Feedback is generally respected, though ...
Overall, steady and it is particularly inspiring. Meaningful projects and public service focus inspire employees to contribute their best every day. Most importantly, there's a palpable sense of purpose - everyone understands how their role contributes to student success. If you're looking for a place where your efforts can have real societal impact, this is a rewarding and supportive environment ...

Monterey Zoo Overview

Website
www.montereyzoo.org
Founded In
2007
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
400 River Rd Salinas California CA 93908
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 8314551901
Social Media
About Monterey Zoo
Monterey Zoo offers several different ways to visit, see, learn about and even interact with our animals. Full contact adventures are available for individuals as well as families and groups that range from 2-hours to ALL DAY experiences. Be sure to inquire about our QR-Code Signage to enhance your visit.

What Benefits Does Monterey Zoo Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Monterey 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 Salinas?

Understanding the cost of living near Salinas is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Monterey Zoo.
Salinas' Cost of Living Index is approximately 130.5 (30.5% more expensive than US average; 6.7% less than CA average). Monterey County, 'Salad Bowl of the World', housing costs high due to coastal proximity and ag land value. When planning your budget based on a salary from Monterey Zoo, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,800 - $2,600+ A significant portion of Monterey Zoo salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $190 - $300 (PG&E) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $60 (MST monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $440 - $650 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $380 - $700+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $710+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,250 - $4,960+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Monterey Zoo

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Monterey Zoo?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Monterey Zoo is approximately from $83,773 to $109,623. 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. How much does Monterey Zoo pay compared to Disability Achievement Center?

The average annual salary at Monterey Zoo is $95,807, or an hourly wage of $46, in comparison to Disability Achievement Center which pays $81,452 per year or $39 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at Monterey Zoo?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Monterey Zoo, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from Monterey Zoo in Salinas is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Monterey Zoo in Salinas is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Monterey Zoo and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Salinas" to understand its purchasing power.

5. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at Monterey Zoo?

Several key factors influence salary levels at Monterey Zoo. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: Monterey Zoo likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.