As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ecologist in the United States is $73,275 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Ecologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Ecologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Ecologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Ecologist... Level Ecologist | $72,672 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $89,758 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $104,784 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $128,973 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $154,765 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Ecologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.63% |
| Internal Control | 3.74% |
| COBIT | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$84,266 |
15%
|
|
Data Analytics
|
$82,067 |
12%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$81,335 |
11%
|
|
Risk Assessment
|
$81,335 |
11%
|
|
Planning
|
$81,335 |
11%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$80,602 |
10%
|
For Ecologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Chemicals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Ecologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ecologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $102,584 | $49.0 | 40% |
| Chemicals | $84,266 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $80,602 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $80,602 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $80,602 | $39.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ecologists enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Ecologist with a Associate's Degree is between $66,178 and $70,454).
Ecologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 3.0% |
| Associates | 4.0% |
| Bachelors | 50.7% |
| Masters | 42.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Ecologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Ecologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $72,613 in 2023 to around $71,644 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ecologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $72,613 |
| 2024 | $72,558 |
| 2025 | $71,644 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Ecologist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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