As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ecologist in Foothill Ranch, CA is $79,966 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
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, skills 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 | $79,308 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $97,955 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $114,353 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $140,751 |
| Informati... Level Ecologist | $168,898 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.63% |
| Internal Control | 3.74% |
| COBIT | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$91,961 |
15%
|
|
Data Analytics
|
$89,562 |
12%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$88,762 |
11%
|
|
Risk Assessment
|
$88,762 |
11%
|
|
Planning
|
$88,762 |
11%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$87,963 |
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 | $111,952 | $54.0 | 40% |
| Chemicals | $91,961 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $87,963 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $87,963 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $87,963 | $42.0 | 10% |
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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Ecologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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