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Senior Taxidermy information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior taxidermy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior taxidermy in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior taxidermist do?

A Senior Taxidermist is a skilled professional responsible for preparing, stuffing, and mounting animal skins to create lifelike representations for display, study, or preservation. They oversee and perform complex taxidermy projects, often leading a team, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring adherence to ethical and legal guidelines. Senior Taxidermists may also restore or repair existing mounts, consult with museums or collectors, and keep up-to-date with new preservation techniques and materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior taxidermist?

To thrive as a Senior Taxidermist, you need expertise in anatomy, sculpting, and tanning processes, often supported by formal training or years of hands-on experience. Familiarity with specialized tools, preservation chemicals, and airbrushing equipment is typical, along with adherence to relevant wildlife and safety regulations. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top professionals apart when working with clients or mentoring junior staff. These competencies ensure high-quality, lifelike mounts and maintain ethical and legal standards in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by senior taxidermists, and how can they be addressed in daily work?

Senior taxidermists often encounter challenges such as preserving specimens in optimal condition, meeting client expectations for realism, and managing time effectively across multiple projects. To address these, it's important to stay updated with the latest preservation techniques, maintain clear communication with clients about project scope, and implement a systematic workflow to handle complex tasks efficiently. Additionally, mentoring junior staff and collaborating with museum curators or wildlife professionals can help ensure high-quality results and foster a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Senior Taxidermy vs Taxidermist?

AspectSenior TaxidermyTaxidermist
CredentialsExperience, advanced skillsBasic training, certification optional
Work EnvironmentSpecialized workshops, outdoor settingsTaxidermy studios, wildlife parks
Industry UsageHigh-level projects, mentorship rolesStandard taxidermy work, entry-level

Senior Taxidermy involves advanced skills, experience, and often mentorship, focusing on complex projects. Taxidermists perform standard preservation work, often as entry-level or mid-level roles. Senior Taxidermists typically handle more intricate tasks and may oversee other staff, whereas Taxidermists focus on basic to moderate projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Taxidermy jobs?

The most popular types of Taxidermy jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Taxidermy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Taxidermy jobs include:

Senior Taxidermy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Taxidermy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Taxidermist Apprentice Assistant

The Wildlife Gallery Inc

Blanchard, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Description:

Turn Your Artistic Talent Into a World-Class Career

Have an eye for detail? A passion for craftsmanship? This is your opportunity to learn from some of the most respected taxidermists in the world.


We are seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Taxidermy Apprentices with an industry-leading company recognized for excellence and innovation. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to build a career in a highly specialized art form through hands-on training and mentorship.


What We Offer

  • Paid, on-the-job training under      world-renowned taxidermists
  • Direct mentorship from industry      leaders with decades of experience
  • Company-funded opportunities to      compete in prestigious taxidermy competitions and conventions
  • A pathway to mastering one of      the world’s most unique and respected trades
  • A collaborative environment      that values creativity, precision, and craftsmanship

Who We’re Looking For

Strong candidates often come from backgrounds such as:

  • Carpentry, woodworking, cabinetry, or hands-on craftsmanship trades
  • Individuals with exceptional attention to detail, patience, and a desire to continually improve their skills
  • Fine arts, sculpture, drawing, painting, or other artistic disciplines

No prior taxidermy experience is required—just a passion for creating, learning, and pursuing excellence.

If you’ve ever wanted to turn your artistic ability and craftsmanship into a career while learning from the best in the industry, this apprenticeship offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop your skills and make your mark on the world stage.


Location

Blanchard, Michigan

Reports to

Production Manager - Taxidermy

Benefits

Matching 401(k) program and a complimentary financial advisor available. Medical / prescription, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, life, and more insurance options available after 90-day waiting period. Paid personal time, paid vacation time, paid holidays.


Summary

This position’s primary job duty will be learning the taxidermy trade. The position is expected to learn the proper way to prep a skin for mounting in a timely manner. Further training and expectation will include prepping forms and work in to mounting pieces. This position will report to senior Taxidermists and the Production Manager of the Taxidermy Department in all job-related duties including maintaining and organization work area(s).


Essential Functions

· Prep, sew, and set antlers.

· Organize and take care of materials in supply rooms.

· Work closely with Taxidermists

· Maintain a high level of quality in their work and personal accountability

· Perform other relative duties assigned by supervisors or managers


Competencies

· Collaboration Skills

· Thoroughness

· Time Management

· Communication Skills

· Excellent Attendance


Preferred Education and Experience

· High School Diploma or GED

· Taxidermy or related experience


Physical Demands

The job requires the ability to bend, stand, and lift. Must be able to stand for extensive periods of time. Lifting requirements are classified as Medium Work. Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This position is a full-time hourly position. Standard weekly hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM This position will assist delivery of taxidermy trophies at designated customers’ homes or place of destination. Out of state travel is required for this position at least 7 to 10 days once a month.


#ZR

Requirements: