Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Salary

How Much Does Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in the United States is $83,573. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium typically range from $73,333 to $95,450 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Pay for Different Roles?

The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.

Behavior Health Technician

$49,274 / year

Salary Range: $44,945 - $55,860

Security Services

Behavioral Health Technician

$40,760 / year

Salary Range: $36,670 - $46,159

Mental Health

Caregiver - Sign On Bonus - Job Opportunity

$42,103 / year

Salary Range: $37,649 - $47,842

Staffing

Caregiver In Home Support Services

$44,475 / year

Salary Range: $39,664 - $50,472

Security Services

Caregiver NEEDED ASAP

$42,889 / year

Salary Range: $38,407 - $48,913

Security Services

Caregiver Somerton (Sign On Bonus)

$39,313 / year

Salary Range: $35,384 - $44,743

Security Services

DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
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About Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: Company Profile

Website
www.pdza.org
Founded In
1949
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Location
TACOMA
Revenue
<$5 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 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Purpose-driven mission motivates daily work. It’s refreshing to work somewhere with clear expectations and fair processes. The impactful public service mission drives commitment and pride among all team members. A strong sense of team drives every initiative. Met requirements. It’s not the most exciting place to work, but it provides security. Collaboration happens, though silos between teams some...
Work is consistent, but repetitive. The environment encourages lifelong learning, and professional development is easily accessible. There’s a clear commitment to education and civic service. Benefits and vacation policies are solid.
Work-life balance is thoughtfully supported through flexible hours and wellness programs. The leadership team is supportive, transparent, and genuinely values employee input. The benefits package is very competitive, especially for families. The technology and facilities are top-notch, enabling us to provide 21st century learning experiences. Job stability and a comprehensive benefits package add ...

Is Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
PARADISE PARK INC
BUTTERFLY PAVILION
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 28%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium average annual salary with several similar companies. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium average salary of $83,573 is higher than PARADISE PARK INC, which has an average salary of $79,870. It is higher than BUTTERFLY PAVILION, with their average salary at $78,070. This places Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in a competitive position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Tacoma?

Understanding the cost of living near Tacoma is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Tacoma's Cost of Living Index is approximately 110.5 (10.5% more expensive than US average; 1.0% less than WA average). South of Seattle, port city, housing more affordable than Seattle but rising. Pierce Transit, Sound Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,400 - $2,000+ A significant portion of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $120 - $210 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $99 (ORCA 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 $400 - $730+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $390 - $720+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,849 - $4,319+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

FAQ 1: What is the average salary for employees at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium?
The average annual total compensation for employees at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is approximately $83,573. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $73,333 to $95,450, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium pay compared to PARADISE PARK INC?
The average annual salary at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is $83,573, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to PARADISE PARK INC which pays $79,870 per year or $38 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium?
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 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.
FAQ 4: Does Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Tacoma?
While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 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 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium?
Most companies, likely including Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 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.