The salary of an ornithologist depends largely on the organization, location of the job, and field experience of the professional. It can range anywhere from $50,000 to $140,000 annually.
Ornithology is a branch of zoology that deals with the study of different types of birds, their environment and behavior pattern. Ornithologists work as ecologists, geneticists, teachers, etc., and the employers can range from governments to zoos. Their remuneration is dependent on the nature of work and the type of organization they work for, and also on the job location. The job description is not limited to field work; they are also required to do laboratory work to study samples of blood and feathers.
Educational Qualification
The income of an ornithologists also depends on his educational qualification, as candidates with better qualification are preferred over their less qualified counterparts. If you are interested in taking up this profession, make sure you take science subjects in your degree program. Learning subjects like biology, chemistry, math, etc., during your degree program will help. To make a career in this field, at least a Bachelor’s degree is required. Many organizations prefer people who have a Master’s degree in the related subjects. Students who have a Master’s degree in ecology, biology, zoology, etc., have a better chance of employment. In addition to the educational qualification, you should have a genuine love for birds to excel in this profession. Personal qualities like patience and keen observation skills act as bonuses.
Job Description
Ornithologists study birds and things related to their environment, genetics, and evolution. Their job description can vary from field work to laboratory research. Professionals working on conservation and behavior of bird species are required to do things such as, to study the living habits and habitat of particular birds in their natural environment, do laboratory work by testing blood samples of birds and studying their genetics, and study the feathers of birds under laboratory conditions to check for things like hydrogen isotopes to study migratory patterns. Field work mostly comprises identifying the eating, nesting, and mating habits of birds, and studying their living environment.
Average Salary
Their remuneration can vary greatly, so much so, that it can range from $50,000 to $140,000 annually. Like most other professions, the pay structure in this field fluctuates according to the geographical location of the job. Ornithology salaries in New York can go as high as $100,000 for certain work profiles. While in the state of California, the average annual salary is around $90,000.
Statistics have indicated that the average hourly wage that some professionals earn working as biological science technicians is between $15 and $25.
People who love the outdoors and animals flourish in this profession, and go on to earn good pay while working for national parks and organizations who attend to environment conservation. The wages paid by such organizations depend on the experience of the candidate, with experienced professionals getting an average annual income ranging from $70,000 to $80,000.
Most people who get into this profession love spending time outdoors, or studying samples taken from birds in the lab. With the recent initiatives taken by the government and private organizations regarding the protection of our environment, job prospects for this profession is looking very bright for the coming years.