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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animal Behaviorist in Illinois is $30,164 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, an Animal Behaviorist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Animal Behaviorist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $32,207 | $2,684 | $619 | $15 |
| Average | $30,164 | $2,514 | $580 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,631 | $2,303 | $531 | $13 |
Veterinary Innovative Partners - HEDGESVILLE, WV
Broadmoor East Veterinary Clinic LLC - CHEYENNE, WY
Central Animal Hospital - ONALASKA, WI
Norco Animal Hospital - NORCO, CA
An Animal Behaviorist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Animal Behaviorist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Animal Behaviorist | $30,269 |
| Intermediate Level Animal Behaviorist | $30,691 |
| Senior Level Animal Behaviorist | $31,372 |
| Specialist Level Animal Behaviorist | $31,465 |
| Expert Level Animal Behaviorist | $31,620 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Animal Behaviorists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Animal Behaviorist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Animal Behaviorist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Animal Behaviorist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $39,213 | $19.0 | 30% |
| Business Services | $36,196 | $17.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Animal Behaviorist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $32,207 | $2,684 | $619 | $15 |
| Average | $30,164 | $2,514 | $580 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,631 | $2,303 | $531 | $13 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Animal Behaviorist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Greenwich Animal Hospital
BELLE HAVEN, CT
Greenwich Animal Hospital | BELLE HAVEN, CT
Greenwich Animal Hospital seeks a Medical Lead to guide high-quality care for dogs, cats, and small animals in a full-service veterinary setting. In this o... more
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The Animal Clinic
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL
The Animal Clinic | PORT CHARLOTTE, FL
The Animal Clinic of Port Charlotte seeks a Veterinarian to provide comprehensive medical, surgical, dental, and preventive care for dogs and cats in a ful... more
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Mt McKinley Animal Hospital
BADGER, AK
Mt McKinley Animal Hospital | BADGER, AK
Mt McKinley Animal Hospital seeks a full-time Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical, surgical, and dental care for companion animals in Fairbanks, A... more
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Livewell Animal Hospital
PLEASANT GROVE, UT
Livewell Animal Hospital | PLEASANT GROVE, UT
Livewell Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate Veterinarian to join our Livewell Urgent Care team. In this role, you will provide high-quality urgent ... more
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Livewell Animal Hospital
HOLLADAY, UT
Livewell Animal Hospital | HOLLADAY, UT
Livewell Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate Associate Veterinarian to join our collaborative Veterinary Health team. You’ll provide high-quality me... more
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Livewell Animal Hospital
BOYS TOWN, NE
Livewell Animal Hospital | BOYS TOWN, NE
Livewell Animal Hospital seeks a Founding Veterinarian to help launch and lead a new, high-quality small animal practice. You will shape medical standards,... more
6 Days Ago
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