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Comparative Psychologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Comparative Psychologist information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$92K

$395.1K

How much do comparative psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for comparative psychologist in Virginia is $92,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job in comparative psychology?

To work as a comparative psychologist, typically a doctoral degree in psychology, biology, or a related field is required, along with research experience in animal behavior and cognition. Gaining skills in experimental design, data analysis, and familiarity with laboratory or fieldwork environments is essential. Building a strong academic record, publishing research, and networking within the scientific community can improve job prospects.

What are some common work environments or settings for Comparative Psychologists?

Comparative Psychologists often work in academic or research institutions, such as universities, where they may teach, mentor students, and conduct experiments in laboratory settings. Others are employed by zoos, animal research facilities, or government agencies, focusing on animal behavior, welfare, or cognition. Collaboration with veterinarians, biologists, and other psychologists is typical, providing a dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment. Depending on the focus, the role may involve fieldwork, direct animal observation, data analysis, and presenting findings at conferences or in publications.

What does a comparative psychologist do?

A comparative psychologist studies the behavior, cognition, and evolution of different animal species to understand similarities and differences across species. They often conduct experiments in laboratory or natural settings, analyze behavioral data, and may work in research, academia, or conservation. Strong skills in observation, data analysis, and knowledge of animal behavior are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Comparative Psychologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Comparative Psychologist, you need strong research and analytical skills, a background in biology or psychology, and typically a graduate degree (PhD or Master's) in psychology or a related field. Experience with statistical software, behavioral assessment tools, and scientific writing are common technical requirements. Excellent observational skills, curiosity, and clear communication enhance one’s ability to collaborate and convey complex findings. These skills are essential for designing rigorous studies, interpreting animal behavior, and advancing scientific understanding in comparative psychology.

How much do comparative psychologists make?

Comparative psychologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced degrees and research experience can lead to higher salaries, especially in academic or research institutions.

What is a Comparative Psychologist job?

A Comparative Psychologist studies the behavior and cognitive processes of different animal species, including humans, to understand evolution, learning, and adaptation. They conduct experiments, observe behavior, and analyze data to identify similarities and differences across species. Their work helps in areas such as animal welfare, conservation, and neuroscience. Comparative Psychologists may work in research institutions, universities, zoos, or government agencies.

What careers use comparative psychology?

Comparative psychologists often work in academic research, studying animal behavior and cognition, or in applied settings such as wildlife conservation, animal training, and behavioral therapy. They may also work in zoos, laboratories, or environmental organizations, utilizing skills in observation, data analysis, and experimental design.
What are popular job titles related to Comparative Psychologist jobs in Virginia? For Comparative Psychologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Comparative Psychologist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Comparative Psychologist jobs in Virginia are:
Comparative Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Comparative Psychologist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,017 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Norfolk, VA

$51K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
EXPERIENCE WITH RESEARCH METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND REPORTING METHODS IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY CONDUCT COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS, EVALUATE TECHNICAL INFORMATION, ORGANIZE AND PRESENT VERBAL AND WRITTEN RESEARCH ANALYTICAL REPORTS. EXPERIENCE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF WORK MEASUREMENT AND ACTIVITY ANALYSIS TO PERFORM ANALYTICAL ASSIGNMENTS TO MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS, EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF VARIOUS AGENCY PROGRAMS. EXPERIENCE IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH, MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS, ECONOMICS AND ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ANALYSIS. AND CONTINUOUS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT METHODOLGY AND TOOLS. EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS IN THE PREPARATION FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown in the table below.
Basic Requirements:
Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
Evaluation of Education:
The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.
Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.
The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.
GS-07
1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievementEmployment Type: OTHER

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