The occupation of dolphin trainers is that they work with bottleneck dolphins that are friendly in nature and very intelligent. These trainers can do something very special and outstanding with their dwells as dolphin trainers. They can spend almost days in a large pool of water, building a rapport with their respective dolphins while applying everything that they’ve learned about operant conditioning from psychology classes to use instead of working in a cramped office cubicle. Let us know about “Salaries For Dolphin Trainers”
Salary rates for dolphin trainers are lower than you may anticipate considering the physically demanding nature of the job and the long, unpredictable hours it needs. According to reports, based on 1,157 incomes as of July 2020, marine mammal trainers make between $9 and $23 per hour. It costs $15.20 an hour on average or $31,616 annually. Entry level Dolphin trainers earn between $18,000 to $20,000 per year and they can also earn extra money from their second job too. $25,000 to $40,000 can be earned by experienced trainers.
Description Of Dolphin Trainer
The nicest part of working with dolphins is getting to know them and developing a close link with them. Applying operant conditioning principles, desired behaviors are shaped using sweets or toys as incentives. Future trainers pick up skills in school and on the job.
A special 2-year certificate in exotic animal training and management, for instance, is offered by Moorpark College in California. Animal behavior courses that students take encompass applied behavior modification and operant conditioning theory.
Beginner trainers often reinforce behaviors already taught to dolphins, whereas experienced coaches communicate new behaviors. Dolphin engagement requires motivated trainers. Along with the fun aspects of the work, there are other daily tasks like food preparation and delivery that include vitamins and also medicines. Trainers always keep a check on their dolphin’s health and safety, especially their teeth. Trainers can be useful in cleaning the dolphin tanks and their feeding dishes
Trainers of dolphins perform in front of live audiences in places for education and entertainment like SeaWorld. Trainers use a microphone to discuss dolphin behavior and behavior in general.
SeaWorld Trainer Salary
Each year, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment receives hundreds of applications from prospective animal trainers; however, only five or six are routinely hired. It is preferred if you have a college education. Excellent swimming ability and experience speaking in front of an audience are additional criteria. Due to the fact that part of their profession involves giving tours of the facility and speaking to big groups of people, dolphin trainers need to be good communicators.
SeaWorld employees’ salary information is privatized, but according to some reports, SeaWorld staff members make an average of $14.22 per hour, and they earn up to $29,577 per year. According to the Marine Mammal Trainer (MMT) website, the starting salary for new trainers at SeaWorld was about $12. Smaller businesses just pay the minimum wage, according to MMT.
Dolphin trainers also train whales and porpoises while training dolphins. According to the Orlando Sentinel, SeaWorld had been paying trainers an extra $5 per hour to interact with killer whales before the program was discontinued due to catastrophic instances involving trainers.
Marine Biologist Salary
A marine biologist with a focus in cetology has a strong desire to work with dolphins and appreciate research. Your work would center on protecting and preserving cetaceans, which include dolphins, whales, and porpoises. There is less rivalry for positions and the pay for marine biologists is higher than that of dolphin trainers. As of May 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average annual income for marine and zoologists was $67,200.
as a college intern, marine biologists don’t get to be paid. According to ORT, the majority of conservation organizations charge students for their work experience, with the money going toward the business expenses of the organization. According to the Orca Research Trust, those who have a Ph.D., computer proficiency, and a solid statistical background have the highest chances of landing well-paying careers as cetacean researchers (ORT).
Job Satisfaction Of Marine Biologists
Working as a marine biologist offers a high level of job satisfaction, according to the alliance of marine mammal parks and Aquariums. The general public views this activity as exciting and worthwhile, and trainers may get applause from crowds during performances. Additionally, working with animals can be therapeutic since you form a close bond with them and they each have unique personalities.
A chance to contact with animals may also be offered by trainers to kids who have physical limitations or other health issues. Trainers occasionally have the chance to inform the public about mammals and how they may secure their welfare by supporting anti-pollution laws and conservation activities.
Teamwork
There is another benefit to being a marine animal trainer, they have a high collaborative atmosphere at work. Every team member significantly contributes to the care and training of the animals. As a result of their strong friendships and camaraderie, team members frequently have fun at work. In order to ensure that crucial duties are completed, team members also help each other out by stepping in when necessary. So, there is less tension at work.
Fitness And Scuba Requirements
Diver satisfaction and strong physical health is a drawback for marine animals’ trainers. The labor includes handling the animals and their food, and it can be physically demanding. Most employers won’t hire you unless you can pass their swim test and offer documentation that you’ve finished a scuba diving certification course.
Good performance trainers may need to use athletic motions, thus being fit is also significant. Because trainers often have jobs in the water and may dive for purposes of their jobs, these competencies are crucial.
Conclusion
In conclusion, entry-level jobs in dolphin training pay between $18,000 and $20,000, according to dolphin research, while more experienced trainers (those with approximately a decade of experience) may make anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000. 2020 saw a $15.16 median hourly rate, or $31,520 yearly, for all animal trainers, not just dolphin trainers.
