Animal Behaviorist Salary
Animal behaviorists or scientists are professionals who study the instincts and habits of animals as well as animal nutrition, reproduction, growth and development. The average annual salary of behaviorists varies based upon a number of factors, including work experience and geographic location.
Overall Average
As of May 2008, animal behaviorists averaged salaries of $61,640, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest paid 10 percent of scientists averaged salaries of $33,060 or less, while the highest paid 10 percent averaged $98,980 or more.
Work Experience
With one to four years of experience in the field, the average animal behaviorist annual salary ranged between $38,916 to $50,444, according Payscale.com in January 2010. Those with 10 to 19 years of experience earned an average of $44,219 to $78,277.
Industry
In May 2008, the federal government paid the highest average salaries to animal behaviorists with average rates of $98,980, reports the BLS. Colleges and universities were the largest employers of scientists in the field and paid an average of $57,400.
Geography
Animal behaviorists who lived in Maryland received the highest average salaries at $100,350 as of May 2008 BLS reporting. Other high-paying states for animal scientists were New Jersey, Florida, Missouri and Iowa, where salaries averaged $69,890 to $76,920.
Benefits
Animal behaviorists reported receiving average annual bonuses of $1,200 to $4,250 as well as an average of two to three weeks of paid vacation per year, according to Payscale.com. Other benefits given to scientists included paid sick leave and holidays, life and disability insurance, 401k retirement plans, a casual dress and atmosphere, tuition reimbursement, and flexible scheduling.
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