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Animal Behavior Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Sciences ( at Johns Hopkins University invites applications for a non-tenure track adjunct faculty member within the David S. Olton Behavioral Biology Program to teach Animal Behavior. We are ...

... sciences or other relevant degree, preferred * Licensed Animal Care Technician or equivalent experience strongly desired but not required * General knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and care ...

Maintain trained behaviors as directed by the Curator * Teach less experienced team members the science of animal husbandry * Transport animals as necessary for exhibits, vet procedures, or ...

Maintain trained behaviors as directed by the Curator * Teach less experienced team members the science of animal husbandry * Transport animals as necessary for exhibits, vet procedures, or ...

... sciences or other relevant degree, preferred * Licensed Animal Care Technician or equivalent experience strongly desired but not required * General knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and care ...

Animal Care Technician

Columbia, MO · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

... and scientific advancements. Working as part of a dedicated and compassionate team, you will ... Monitor animal behavior and health status and promptly communicate observations to the appropriate ...

Maintain trained behaviors as directed by the Curator * Teach less experienced team members the science of animal husbandry * Transport animals as necessary for exhibits, vet procedures, or ...

$85 - $115/hr

... Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a closely related field. A D.V.M/V.M.D is preferred. Areas of expertise may include nutrition, physiology, reproduction, genetics, disease, behavior, or ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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.

How much does an animal behavior scientist make?

Animal behavior scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as research or academia, can offer higher compensation, often exceeding $100,000 annually.

What do animal behavior scientists do?

Animal behavior scientists study how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. They observe, record, and analyze animal behaviors, often using tools like video recordings and statistical software, to understand patterns and causes of behavior. Their work can involve field research, laboratory experiments, and data interpretation to inform conservation, welfare, and scientific knowledge.

What kind of job can you get with an animal behavior scientist degree?

An animal behavior scientist degree can lead to careers such as wildlife biologist, zoo or aquarium researcher, conservation specialist, or animal trainer. These roles often involve conducting research, analyzing animal behavior, and applying scientific methods, sometimes requiring fieldwork, laboratory work, or certifications in animal handling. Job opportunities are available in research institutions, conservation organizations, zoos, and government agencies.
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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:

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,401 per year, or $82.4 per hour.

Boston Adoption Center - Behavior Manager

MSPCA - Angell

Boston, MA • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee behavior evaluations and training plans to enhance animal adoptability.

  • Support shelter staff with behavior-related tasks including intake, evaluations, training, and enrichment.

  • Act as a resource to shelter staff through supervision, training, and coaching.


Job description

This is a full-time 40 hour a week position

The MSPCA-Angell is currently seeking an experienced animal behavior training professional with excellent teamwork skills to join our Boston Adoption Center Team. This is a unique opportunity to work with the largest team of animal shelter behavior professionals in New England, committed to using science based approaches to changing animal behavior.  Our behavior team has received national recognition and recently became a shelter partner of the prestigious ASPCA Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Program.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000, with flexibility based on qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

THE POSITION:

The Behavior Manager works to ensure the behavioral wellbeing of the animals supported by the adoption center while also moving animals through the adoption center in a timely and efficient manner. The Behavior Manager also:

  • Acts as a resource to shelter staff through effective supervision, training and coaching
  • Supports adoption center staff with behavior-related tasks including but not limited to intake, evaluations, euthanasia decision making, creating and implementing training and behavior modification plans, low stress handling techniques, playgroups, and enrichment.
  • Oversees behavior evaluations and training plans to enhance animal adoptability.
  • Advises staff on best methods of facilitating appropriate matches for animals with more challenging behaviors in need of additional behavioral support
  • Provides pre-adoption counseling and hands-on training for prospective adoptions, and post-adoption support for families who are struggling with their animal at home.
  • Works with the behavior team across all shelter locations to accomplish all of these tasks.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicants must have at least 2 years of experience working or volunteering directly with animals under the supervision of  behavior professional, as well as, creating and implementing training/behavior modification plans.
  • We are looking for applicants who have earned a CCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC or other accredited professional dog training certification.

Please detail your animal behavior experience in your cover letter.

Applicants with a proficiency in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

WHO WE ARE:

The MSPCA is one of the oldest and most venerable humane organizations in the world and the largest animal welfare organization in New England- caring for and placing over 11,000 animals annually across our four adoption centers. At our Boston Adoption Center, we care for over 2,000 animals each year with a 92% live release rate. Take a virtual tour of our adoption center! The MSPCA also has the largest animal relocation program in New England - transporting thousands of cats and dogs from overpopulated animal shelters across the country to Massachusetts, where each animal receives medical care, enrichment, and behavior training prior to adoption. Our animal relocation network, combined with the MSPCA-Angell’s veterinary and adoption center resources, works to protect the largest number of animals possible.

We value our connections to communities and organizations, and serve as a resource to protect the largest number of animals possible. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We believe that a diverse workforce is integral to our organizational culture, and that employing a workforce with varied and unique perspectives that emerge from racial, gender, sexuality, religious, linguistic, neurological, physical and other differences fuels our ability to fulfill our organizational mission, surpassing our goals and visions. The MSPCA-Angell needs a diverse, well-supported workforce of staff and volunteers to best understand and serve our patients, clients, and communities. We are committed to attracting and retaining a highly talented diverse workforce for our future and appreciate your interest in pursuing a career at the MSPCA-Angell.

 OUR BENEFITS:

Our compensation package includes health, dental and life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, sick, and vacation time, employee discounts for pet health care, and free on-site parking.