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Animal Behavior Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harris County

Animal Behaviorist

Houston, TX

$39K/yr

Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, biology, psychology, or ethology. Experience: At least five (5) years of experience working with cats and dogs in a behavior or training role, preferably ...

Harris County

Animal Behaviorist

Houston, TX · On-site

$39K/yr

Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, biology, psychology, or ethology. Experience: At least five (5) years of experience working with cats and dogs in a behavior or training role, preferably ...

Harris County, TX

Animal Behaviorist

Houston, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, biology, psychology, or ethology. Experience: * At least five (5) years of experience working with cats and dogs in a behavior or training role ...

ASPCA

Shelter Behavior Associate

Columbus, OH · On-site

Ideal candidates for Behavior Associate will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, and exceptional people skills. The Behavior Associate reports ...

ASPCA

Shelter Behavior Associate

Columbus, OH · On-site

The only program of its kind, the SBA provides a deep dive into the science of animal behavior, coached hands-on learning, and critical knowledge about how to apply behaviorexpertisein a shelter ...

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Animal Behavior Scientist information

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$68K

$174.5K

How much do animal behavior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior scientist in the United States is $171,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in animal science?

The highest paying roles in animal science often include veterinary surgeons, animal research directors, and specialized animal scientists working in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the industry and location.

What do animal behavior scientists do?

Animal behavior scientists study how animals behave in their natural and controlled environments, often observing, recording, and analyzing their actions to understand patterns, communication, and social structures. They may use tools like tracking devices and require knowledge of biology, ecology, and research methods to conduct experiments and contribute to conservation, welfare, or scientific knowledge.

What can I do with a BS in animal behavior?

A BS in animal behavior prepares individuals for roles such as animal behavior technician, research assistant, or wildlife educator. These positions often involve working in research settings, zoos, or conservation organizations and may require skills in observation, data collection, and understanding animal welfare. Further education or certifications can expand career opportunities in specialized areas like veterinary behavior or animal training.

How much does an animal behaviourist get paid?

Animal behaviorists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those working in research or consulting may earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills or certifications.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior Scientist vs Animal Trainer?

AspectAnimal Behavior ScientistAnimal Trainer
Required CredentialsDegree in biology, psychology, or animal science; research experienceExperience with training techniques; certifications like CPDT or equivalent
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, conservation organizationsPet training facilities, zoos, private homes
Employer & IndustryAcademic, research, conservation sectorsPet industry, zoos, animal shelters
Work FocusStudying animal behavior, conducting experiments, publishing researchTraining animals for obedience, behavior modification, performance

Animal Behavior Scientists focus on understanding and researching animal behavior through scientific methods, often working in labs or academic settings. In contrast, Animal Trainers apply practical training techniques to modify or teach specific behaviors, typically working directly with animals in various environments. Both roles require knowledge of animal behavior, but their goals and work settings differ significantly.

More about Animal Behavior Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Behavior Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Animal Behavior Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Animal Behavior Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Behavior Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior Scientist jobs are:
Animal Behavior Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $171,401 per year, or $82.4 per hour.
Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536272
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Animal Sciences
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

The School of Animal Sciences (SAS) at Virginia Tech is searching for a coordinator to lead in the provision of clinical animal behavior services with owners and their pets, mentor students in this service, and assist in the development of a research line that would include but not be limited to the study of companion animal behavior, training, and welfare.
The coordinator in this position will be expected to provide behavior consultation and training services to owners and their pets; provide classroom and experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students; and carry out research that explore companion animal problem behaviors as informed by the clinical service. This position will be involved in community outreach through the provision and dissemination of evidence-based practices as well as collaborating with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other industry professionals.
As such, applicants must have a strong understanding of learning theory/behavior analysis and its application with companion animals, a robust comprehension of applied animal research, and awareness of relevant issues in the field of companion animal behavior and welfare.
Responsibilities
Provide clinical animal behavior services to owners and their pets, including consultations and training sessions (60%)
Mentor and train students in clinical animal behavior (15%)
Help create, assemble and deliver companion animal behavior curriculum (15%)
Conduct research related to companion animal behavior, particularly problematic behaviors (10%)

Required Qualifications

Master's or PhD in Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Science or related field; Experience providing companion animal consultation and training services and conducting applied animal research; Mentorship of undergraduates and/or graduate students; Evidence of instructional abilities with undergraduate and/or graduate students. Strong organizational and collaborative skills

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in addressing complex companion animal behavior problems (e.g., fear, anxiety, and aggression); Experience carrying out companion animal behavioral and/or welfare research; Interest in wearable animal technologies for collection of physiological data.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

05/29/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Lisa Gunter at lisagunter@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: April 28, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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