VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Animal Behaviorist Salary
in Boston, MA

Study and modify animal behavior for research, therapy, and training applications. Median salary in Boston: $81K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$81K
per year
Take-home: $53K

Salary range in Boston

Entry level (25th)$59,000
Median (50th)$81,000
Senior (75th)$111,000
Top earner (90th)$150,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Boston, Massachusetts.

Key facts for Boston

Median salary
$81K
annual
Take-home pay
$53K
after fed/state tax
COL index
162
100 = US avg
State income tax
5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,900
per month
YoY growth
+4.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Boston Animal Behaviorist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $81K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Boston

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Animal Behaviorist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$68K$74K$80K$86K$92K201920212023202520272029
2026
$83K
projected
2027
$85K
projected
2028
$87K
projected
2029
$89K
projected
2030
$92K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$81,000+$0
2028 projected$81,000+$0
2029 projected$81,000+$0
2030 projected$81,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Animal Behaviorist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Animal Behaviorist salary in Boston, MA is $81,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Boston–MA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Animal Behaviorist in Boston

Entry-level Animal Behaviorists in Boston with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $59,000 and $81,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $81,000 to $111,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $111,000 to $150,000 or more.

Cost of living in Boston for Animal Behaviorists

Boston has a cost of living index of 162 compared to the US national average of 100. Boston's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Massachusetts has a 5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Animal Behaviorist

Master's or PhD in Animal Behavior; CAAB certification. 25% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Animal Behaviorist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Boston (current)$81K162
Worcester$73K120
Springfield$65K105
Cambridge$115K185
Lowell$73K118