Entomologists earn a median annual salary of about $70,600, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2023. That number can range widely, from under $46,080 at the low end to over $106,320 for high earners, depending on experience, employer, and specialization.
Salary Range at a Glance
The BLS groups entomologists under “zoologists and wildlife biologists,” which is the closest federal category for the profession. Within that grouping, the bottom 10% of earners make less than $46,080 per year, while the top 10% bring in more than $106,320. The median sits at $70,600, meaning half of professionals in the field earn more and half earn less.
Self-reported data from an Insect Science Career survey paints a somewhat higher picture. In that 2023 dataset, the median base salary was $90,000. The difference likely reflects that respondents skewed toward mid-career and senior professionals rather than the full workforce, but it suggests that entomologists who stick with the field and advance into leadership roles can comfortably clear six figures.
How Pay Changes With Experience
Experience is the single biggest factor in entomologist pay. Early-career entomologists with limited decision-making authority reported salaries between $33,000 and $66,750 (25th to 75th percentile) in the same career survey. That lines up with the BLS bottom range and reflects the reality for recent graduates, postdocs, and junior research associates.
The jump to a managerial role is where compensation takes a significant leap. Entomologists with some decision-making authority reported salaries between $109,000 and $135,880. Those who reach executive-level positions with full authority over programs or departments earn between $124,800 and $164,845. That’s roughly a threefold increase from the early-career floor to the senior ceiling, which is a steeper climb than many science careers offer.
Across all levels, entomologists saw a median raise of 3% in 2023, with top performers receiving increases as high as 14%.
Government vs. Private Sector
A large share of entomologists work for federal or state agencies, including the USDA, CDC, military branches, and state departments of agriculture. Federal positions use the General Schedule (GS) pay system, and entomologist roles typically land between GS-7 (entry level with a master’s degree) and GS-13 (senior specialist or team lead). A GS-12 entomologist, for example, might serve as a risk analyst assessing exotic pest threats, interpreting statistical models, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. GS-12 salaries generally fall between $80,000 and $110,000 depending on the locality pay adjustment for your area.
Government jobs tend to offer lower base salaries than industry but come with generous benefits: a pension system, health insurance, paid leave, and predictable raises on a set schedule. For many entomologists, the total compensation package narrows the gap with private-sector pay.
In the private sector, entomologists work for pesticide manufacturers, agricultural biotech firms, pest control companies, and consulting firms. Industry roles, especially in crop protection and product development, often pay more than equivalent government or academic positions. They also tend to include bonuses and profit-sharing that don’t show up in base salary comparisons.
What Affects Your Earning Potential
Education level matters. Most professional entomologist positions require at least a master’s degree, and many research or faculty roles require a Ph.D. A bachelor’s degree can get you into technician or field assistant roles, but those positions sit at the lower end of the pay scale and have limited advancement potential.
Specialization plays a role too. Entomologists working in public health (studying disease-carrying mosquitoes or ticks, for instance) are in steady demand from agencies like the CDC and state health departments. Those in agricultural entomology may find opportunities with the USDA or large agribusiness companies. Forensic entomology and medical entomology are smaller niches, but their specialized expertise can command premium salaries in the right setting.
Geography also shifts the numbers. Entomologists in high cost-of-living areas or regions with heavy agricultural activity tend to earn more. Federal employees receive locality pay adjustments that can add 15% to 30% on top of their base salary depending on the metro area.
Job Outlook Through 2034
Employment for zoologists and wildlife biologists, the category that includes entomologists, is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034. That’s slower than the average for all occupations. The field isn’t shrinking, but openings are limited and competition for positions is real, particularly in academia. Most new opportunities come from retirements and turnover rather than growth in the number of positions.
That said, entomologists with applied skills in pest management, vector control, or agricultural technology are better positioned than those pursuing purely academic research. Climate change, invasive species, and insect-borne disease are all expanding the practical need for entomological expertise, even if the overall job numbers grow slowly.