How much a herpetologist earns per year has been discussed in this article with other important information for people in the field.
Herpetologists are specialized biologists or zoologists who care for and research a wide variety of reptile and amphibian species. Herpetologists conduct research on reptile and amphibian species such as frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, alligators, and lizards.
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Duties and responsibilities of the herpetologist
Before move to what herpetologist earns per year, let’s see their duties first.
A herpetologist spends his time researching one of several different areas. This could include studies related to behavior, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, health, and reproduction.
By completing a research study and analyzing the collected data, herpetologists can publish their findings in scientific journals where others can review them in the field.
Research can be conducted in the field or in controlled laboratory settings.
Some herpetologists, especially those dealing with anatomy and physiology, study preserved museum specimens.
Herpetologists can be involved in the direct care of the animals they use for research purposes if they do not have a laboratory assistant responsible for such tasks. Many aspiring herpetologists first fill positions as laboratory assistants while pursuing their graduate studies.
Many researchers are also university professors and have teaching duties to attend to when they are not traveling to conduct research in the field.
Herpetologists involved in education at the university level are responsible for preparing lectures, writing and grading exams, designing laboratory exercises, and supervising student workers as they assist with research studies.
It may be necessary for herpetologists to travel to several countries so that they can seek research opportunities with other specialists in their area of study.
How much a herpetologist earns per year
Herpetologists salary can vary based on factors such as the level of education attained, years of experience in the field, and the particular type of work the scientist must perform. Herpetologists with doctoral degrees, those with significant experience in the field, and those with specialized knowledge of a particular species will be able to obtain the highest levels of compensation.
What herpetologist earns per year: The salary statistics for the largest group of wildlife biologists are as follows:
Median Annual Salary: More than $102,830 ($49.44 / hour)
Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $63,420 ($30.49 / hour)
Bottom 10% Annual Salary: More than $40,290 ($19.37 / hour)
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
College or university professors and top researchers can earn considerably higher salaries, often up to $80,000 or more in some cases. With the information above you will understand that herpetologist earns a reasonable sum per year
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Education, training, and certification
The field of herpetology requires at least a bachelor’s degree, with many earning graduate degrees as well.
Education:
Entry to the field of herpetology requires at least a four-year degree in biology or a related field (herpetology is not offered as an undergraduate specialization in itself). Course work can include a wide range of topics such as anatomy, physiology, biology, ecology, animal science, genetics, statistics, computer-based technology, laboratory science, and foreign languages (as research may involve travel abroad).
Advanced degrees:
Graduate degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate, are required for those seeking research positions. While many graduate programs do not offer graduate degrees in herpetology per se, it is possible to pursue related studies in zoology or biology while participating in herpetology research with a faculty advisor. Many professors allow students to gain valuable experience in the field of herpetology by assisting them with their current research studies.
Herpetologist skills and competencies
A herpetologist may have a lot of formal education or degrees, but that is not the only requirement necessary to perform well in their job. Soft skills like the following are also important:
Communication skills:
Herpetologists must write scientific articles and give talks to the public, legislators, and academics.
Critical Thinking Skills – Herpetologists, a subset of zoologists and wildlife biologists, need skillful reasoning and judgment to draw logical conclusions and make scientific observations from the results of experiments.
Emotional stability:
Herpetologists may have to spend long periods with minimal human contact while working. Like other occupations that deal with animals, a herpetologist must have the emotional stability to handle working with injured or sick animals.
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Interpersonal skills:
Zoologists and wildlife biologists often work in teams. They must be able to work effectively with others to achieve their goals or to negotiate conflicting goals.
Observation skills:
Zoologists and wildlife biologists should be able to notice slight changes in an animal’s behavior or appearance.
Outdoor skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to cut firewood, swim in cold water, navigate rough terrain in bad weather, carry heavy packages or equipment long distances, or perform other activities associated with life in remote areas.
Problem-solving skills:
Zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find the best possible solutions to threats to wildlife, such as disease and habitat loss.
Foreign language skills:
This can be a great advantage during trips abroad.
Job outlook of a herpetologist
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for zoologists and wildlife biologists (this includes herpetologists) over the next decade relative to other occupations and industries is good, driven by the need for more zoologists and wildlife biologists study human-wildlife interactions. as development and growing human population threaten wildlife and their natural habitats.
However, since most of the funding comes from government agencies, the demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists will likely be limited by budget constraints.
Employment is expected to grow around 8% over the next ten years, slightly faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. This growth rate compares with the projected 7% growth for all occupations .
The competition is extremely enthusiastic for positions in the field of herpetology, and opportunities to enter this field will remain limited. Job seekers with advanced degrees and significant relevant experience have the highest number of prospects.
Work environment
Positions for herpetologists can be found in zoos, aquariums, museums, wildlife agencies, colleges and universities, and government or medical research laboratories. The two main areas that most herpetologists work in are education and research, and many herpetologists work in a combination of both areas.
Some herpetologists choose to specialize in working with a single species of particular interest. Others may not work directly with animals but provide writing, photography, or consulting services.
Herpetologists working in the field can be exposed to variable conditions such as extreme heat, humidity, rain, wind, and parasites, especially when conducting research on reptiles or amphibians in tropical settings.
Working hours
Most herpetologists work full time. They may need to work long or irregular hours, especially if they are doing fieldwork. If they work with nocturnal animals, they can work at night at least part of the time.
