The Career Outlook & Salary for Animal Behaviorists in Zoology

by Janet Mulroney Clark

Animal behavior captures people's interest, perhaps because it so often resembles human behavior. In the world of animals, rules of behavior govern group dynamics, mating rituals, competition, communication and child-rearing. The study of animal behavior, known as ethology, can lead to numerous career choices for those who also have a broad interest in zoology, the study of animals.

Job Description

Animal behaviorists study animals in a specific setting, such as their natural habitat, a zoo or a farm environment. The most likely career for an animal behaviorist with a zoology background is as a university professor engaged in teaching and research. Professors specialize in different fields, such as the behavior of companion animals or animals kept for livestock; they conduct research into the reasons for animal behavior and solutions for problems; and they educate students about their discoveries. Animal behaviorists also work as curators at zoos, where they acquire, maintain and display collections of animals. They may also work at zoos as educators or research assistants. Educators create displays and lead tours, while research assistants help conduct animal behavior studies. Research assistants also work for universities, the government and private industry.

Educational Requirements

Most careers in this field require an advanced degree. A university professor, the most commonly held position for an animal behaviorist, needs a doctoral degree. Some animal behaviorists, such as researchers and zoo curators, may hold a doctorate in veterinary medicine, or DVM. Research assistants usually have a master's degree or a bachelor's with a major in the biological or behavioral sciences with a focus on animal behavior. To earn a zoology degree with an area of concentration in animal behavior and neuroscience, students at Michigan State University begin work in their major with courses in animal behavior, genetics, neurobiology, ecology, ecological aspects of animal behavior and evolution.

Salary Information

Animal behaviorists who find work in their field can expect to earn a good income. University and college-level teachers earned an average salary of $62,050 in 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Curators earned an average salary of $42,310 in 2010, while the average salary for zoologists was $57,430, the BLS reported.

Career Outlook

The BLS predicts job growth for postsecondary teachers will increase 17 percent through 2020, about average compared to other fields. Job growth for curators will increase at about the same pace, 16 percent through 2020, according to the BLS. But Indiana University projects lower growth for animal behaviorists employed in these and other jobs. The competition for careers in the field is very high, and IU doesn't expect that to change in the near future. It does offer a suggestion for helping to increase the odds you'll find a job in the field. "Students who obtain the Ph.D. degree in programs offering broad training in one or more of the behavioral or biological sciences will be more competitive in the job market," the university reports.

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