How Much Does a Zoo Director Make in Chicago, IL?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Zoo Director in Chicago, IL is $77,957. While Salary.com is seeing that Zoo Director salary in Chicago, IL can go up to $105,482 or down to $50,629, but most earn between $63,653 and $92,365. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Zoo Director
Curator, Zoo
$51,675
Chicago, IL
Per Year
Zoo Worker
$42,503
Chicago, IL
Per Year
Zoo Veterinarian
$114,421
Chicago, IL
Per Year
Zoo Keeper
$34,803
Chicago, IL
Per Year
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Similar Job Salaries to Zoo Director by Company

FIND A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER
Loading results...
Company average base salary in (usd) range
Magnolia Wilds
Zoo Assistant Director
$53,081/yr
$47,567
$58,594
RANGE: $47,567 - $58,594
Peoria Park District
Education Assistant Zoo
$73,576/yr
$64,281
$82,870
RANGE: $64,281 - $82,870
Wheaton Park District
Concession Attendant - Cosley Zoo - Seasonal
$51,709/yr
$45,743
$57,675
RANGE: $45,743 - $57,675
Lincoln Park Zoological Society
Dairy Barn Attendant-Farm-in-the-Zoo
$69,132/yr
$60,520
$77,744
RANGE: $60,520 - $77,744
Wheaton Park District
Admissions Attendant Cosley Zoo - Seasonal
$40,087/yr
$36,710
$43,464
RANGE: $36,710 - $43,464
BREC, LA
Assistant Department Director - Zoo (Administrative - Business Operations)
$92,776/yr
$82,869
$102,683
RANGE: $82,869 - $102,683
City of Alexandria, LA
Zoo Curator - Health, Zoo
$58,143/yr
$50,820
$65,467
RANGE: $50,820 - $65,467
Levy Restaurants
Warehouse at the Zoo
$80,271/yr
$72,797
$87,745
RANGE: $72,797 - $87,745
$53,691/yr
$46,894
$60,488
RANGE: $46,894 - $60,488

Open Zoo Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Create Alert

What Does a Zoo Director Do?

"Stupid and lucky" – the words used by zoo director Joe Montisano (according to People) – just about sums it up.….
Updated October 02, 2021
Full-Time Zoo Director for the Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, IL – under the Springfield Park District Municipal Agency.
Updated December 21, 2021
For those interested in pursuing any zoo career (including zoo director), it is highly advantageous to complete a.
Updated December 19, 2021
Instead, it might be more helpful to search by industry, as you might be missing jobs that you never thought about in industries that you didn't even think offered positions related to the zoo director job title.
Updated December 19, 2021
Taylor resigned as director of the 5-hectare zoo in Sacramento to accept the directorship of the 70-hectare zoo in Cleveland.
Updated December 18, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Zoo Director Salaries

What is the average of a Zoo Director in Chicago, IL?

The Zoo Director salary range is from $63,653 to $92,365, and the average Zoo Director salary is $77,957/year in Chicago, IL. The Zoo Director's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Zoo Director salary in the United States?

The Zoo Director salary in San Jose, CA is $95,149 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Zoo Director's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Zoo Director.

What is the growth rate of the Zoo Director's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Zoo Director or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Zoo Director.