Learn animal behavior as you interact with thousands of dogs in a given year. * Quick and defined growth opportunities. The more you learn the faster you're promoted! * 401k matching (up to 4% of ...
Learn animal behavior as you interact with thousands of dogs in a given year. * Quick and defined growth opportunities. The more you learn the faster you're promoted! * 401k matching (up to 4% of ...
Entry Level Animal Behavior information
See Phoenix, AZ salary details
$12.89 - $14.13
1% of jobs
$14.13 - $15.36
4% of jobs
$15.36 - $16.60
10% of jobs
$17.64 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.60 - $17.84
12% of jobs
$17.84 - $19.07
11% of jobs
$19.07 - $20.31
12% of jobs
The median wage is $20.37 / hr.
$20.31 - $21.55
11% of jobs
$22.49 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$21.55 - $22.78
19% of jobs
$22.78 - $24.02
13% of jobs
$24.02 - $25.26
4% of jobs
$25.26 - $26.49
3% of jobs
$12
$20
$26
How much do entry level animal behavior jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal behavior in Phoenix, AZ is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an entry level animal behaviorist?
An entry level animal behaviorist is a professional who studies the behavior of animals, often focusing on how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. Individuals in this role may work in research, animal shelters, zoos, or with veterinarians to observe, record, and analyze animal behavior. Entry level positions typically involve assisting senior behaviorists, collecting data, and sometimes helping with animal training or enrichment activities. Most entry level animal behaviorists have a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, psychology, or a related field. The role provides foundational experience for those interested in advanced study or specialized careers in animal behavior.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal behaviorist?
To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Behaviorist, you need a foundational understanding of animal behavior, biology, and psychology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data collection software, and animal care protocols is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are important soft skills for working with both animals and their human caretakers. These skills ensure accurate behavior analysis, promote animal welfare, and facilitate successful collaboration within research or care teams.
What are some common challenges faced in an entry level animal behavior role, and how can they be managed?
Entry-level animal behavior professionals often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle animal cues, managing nervous or aggressive animals, and adapting to varied work environments like shelters, zoos, or research facilities. Building strong observation skills, maintaining patience, and consistently following safety protocols are essential for overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with experienced colleagues and seeking mentorship can also help new team members develop effective handling techniques and gain confidence in their assessments.
What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Behavior vs Entry Level Animal Care?
| Aspect | Entry Level Animal Behavior | Entry Level Animal Care |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma; certifications in animal behavior or psychology beneficial | High school diploma; certifications in pet care or veterinary assisting helpful |
| Work Environment | Research facilities, zoos, animal training centers | Animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Research institutions, zoos, animal training companies | Animal shelters, pet care services, veterinary clinics |
| Common Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding roles related to animal behavior analysis | Looking for entry-level animal care positions |
Entry Level Animal Behavior focuses on understanding and analyzing animal actions, often requiring knowledge of psychology and behavior modification. Entry Level Animal Care involves hands-on animal handling, feeding, and basic health care. Both roles are essential in animal-related industries but differ in focus and skill requirements.
How to get into entry level animal behavior?
To enter an entry-level animal behavior role, gaining a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, psychology, or a related field is often required. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering at animal shelters, or working with research projects can improve job prospects. Developing skills in observation, data collection, and understanding animal welfare is also beneficial.
What jobs can I get with an entry level animal behavior degree?
Entry level animal behavior degrees can qualify you for roles such as animal care technician, zoo assistant, or research assistant, where understanding animal behavior and basic observation skills are essential. These positions often involve working in shelters, zoos, or research facilities and may require certifications in animal handling or safety protocols.
What jobs can you get with entry level animal behavior?
Entry-level animal behavior roles include positions such as animal care technician, zoo assistant, or pet trainer, which often require basic knowledge of animal needs and behavior. These jobs typically involve working in shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics and may require certifications like pet first aid or animal handling training.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Phoenix, AZ?
The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Phoenix, AZ?
For Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?
The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs?
Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings:
Animal Care Tech/Dog Daycare Teacher (Entry Level)
Cave Creek, AZ
$31K - $36K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 24 days ago
Job description
Overview:
Imagine waking up each day knowing you get to work with man's best friend, dogs. Not only that, but you are caring for someone's family member, their child, and we take that responsibility very seriously and with great joy.
Partners Dog Training's mission is to give every dog, and their Pet Parent, an extraordinary education and a life-long, delightful relationship together. We'll be honest, you don't get into this career for the money, you join for the love of dogs and the desire to give each dog and their family a better relationship together.
Our team is vital to that mission. Why? Because Partners has roughly 10,000 guests that work with us in a given year. We have an outstanding track record of providing the cleanest environments, premier guest experience, and creating delightful relationships between dogs and their owners.
Daycare Roles:
- Managing various groups of dogs in play
- Training and enrichment activities throughout the day
- Assessing dogs for fit in daycare
- Creating great socialization opportunities for new dogs
- Spot cleaning throughout the day
- Daily report cards and pictures
- 10:1 dog to trainer ratios
ACT Roles:
- Rotations for potty
- Giving dogs food/water
- Weighing dogs
- Bath and brush for dogs going home
- Basic obedience training
- Working under an instructor to progress your own skills and abilities
- Spot cleaning after the dogs and throughout the facility (deep cleans are done daily by a separate team).
All staff are expected to project a professional appearance and be able to effectively communicate with clients and staff alike. The ability to self-motivate and stay on task is imperative to keep up with this fast-paced and physically demanding, yet highly rewarding career!
JOB BENEFITS
- Work with dogs! Who wouldn't want that?!
- Learn animal behavior as you interact with thousands of dogs in a given year.
- Quick and defined growth opportunities. The more you learn the faster you're promoted!
- 401k matching (up to 4% of contributions)
- Health Insurance (50% subsidy)
- Employee Audible Training Library
- Flexible Scheduling
- 200+ hours of content and training
- PTO and STO accruals
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must consent to and be able to pass an FBI Background Check
- Applicant must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Applicants must be able to work around dogs and cats
- Applicants must be able to work outdoors in the heat
- Applicants must be able to lift dogs up to fifty pounds, squat and scoop
- Applicants must be dependable, punctual and very responsible'
- 'This Company Describes Its Culture as: Team-oriented -- cooperative and collaborative People-oriented -- supportive and fairness-focused Stable -- traditional, stable, strong processes
- Outcome-oriented -- results-focused with strong performance culture
- Innovative -- innovative and risk-taking
- Detail-oriented -- quality and precision-focused
- dog trainer, dog, dog training, dog walker, animal shelter, kennel technician, kennel assistant, kennel attendant, doggy daycare, dog daycare