Aquarists
Overview
Introduction
Aquarists work for aquariums, oceanariums, and marine research institutes. They maintain aquatic exhibits. Among other duties, they feed the fish, check water quality, clean the tanks, and collect and transport new specimens. There are about 268,830 animal caretakers, including aquarists, working in the United States, according to the Department of Labor.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Aquariums often are nonprofit institutions, limiting the earnings ability in this job somewhat. In general, aquarists working in the United States earn salaries that range from $40,962 or less to $53,659, according to a June 2024 Salary.com estimate. The median salary was $44,051. Senior aquarists can make $55,000 or more per year, and aquarist supervisors or managers may command higher earning...
Work Environment
Aquarists may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the facility for which they work and the exhibit to which theyre assigned. Aquarists spend a lot of time in the water. Their day will be filled with a variety of tasks, some repetitive, like feeding, others unusual, such as working with rescued marine mammals, perhaps. In the beginning, aquarists work under the supervision of a senior aquaris...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment opportunities for nonfarm animal caretakers will increase by 16 percent through 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Most openings will arise from the need to replace workers who leave the field, and high job turnover is expected. Many aquarists advance to other positions, however, so openings do become available....