Animal Behaviorists
Overview
Introduction
Animal behaviorists are scientists who study and observe the ways animals behave. They determine what causes certain types of behavior in animals and find ways to change animal behavior. They may conduct research or teach. Some train or retrain animals. They also resolve behavior problems in companion animals.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salaries for animal behaviorists depend, to a great extent on the type of employment they have, as well as the geographic location, responsibilities, experience, and education of the individual.
According to the Department of Labor, in 2018 individuals working in this field as animal scientists had median earnings of $58,380. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,270, and the highes...
Work Environment
Environments vary for animal behaviorists depending on the specific jobs they hold. Those working in zoos, shelters, sanctuaries, and so on, work both outdoors and indoors conducting research and monitoring behavior of animals. Depending on the specific situation, there may be unpleasant odors.
Animal behaviorists employed in academic settings such as colleges and universities work indoo...
Outlook
Outlook for animal behaviorists depends to a great extent on what branch of the field one pursues. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2018 there were 19,300 people working as zoologists and wildlife biologists. Employment was projected to grow 5 percent through 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The BLS also states that in 2018 there were approxim...
