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$40,000 USD About $40,000/year.

Getting Your Feet Wet

There are two routes to take depending where you are in your life when you decide you want to work with marine mammals. If you are fortunate enough to realize this is something you want relatively early, like before you are through college, you are ahead in the game. A degree in zoology, marine Biology, biology, or other related courses will advance your career quickly. It will also give you broader knowledge and background information associated with your career, like why dolphins always look like they are smiling.

Technically a college degree is not necessary. But the truth is most places will not hire someone lacking a degree unless they have a substantial amount of experience. The famous Catch-22 question is: How do I get experience if no one will hire me without a diploma? The best choice is either interning or volunteering at an aquatic facility (no, life guarding doesn't count). The little to no pay can be a drawback, but like anything worth pursuing, everyone must pay some dues. This also demonstrates desire, a quality employers value.

Looking Before You Leap

According to the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, marine mammal training "is a conditioning process through which animals receive mental stimulation, physical exercise, and husbandry care." So it's not just making dolphins jump through hoops. Trainers spend a great deal of their work time caring for the animals. This includes pool maintenance, food and diet preparation, and upkeep of the animals' water.

Another facet to a career as a marine mammal trainer is participating in and creating the numerous education programs facilities host. All of the organizations connected to marine mammal professions stress that through education, the public can better appreciate and understand the animals and their environments. With this in mind, it is helpful to have solid public-speaking skills and a lengthy temper.

What's Left?

So either you have your degree in hand or you have accumulated enough volunteer hours so that your hands are permanently wrinkled and you smell like fish no matter what soap you use. What other requirements are there? Most positions require a certification in Scuba, first aid, and water rescue (OK, so life guarding may help). Also considering the nature of the position, you need to be in above average physical condition. Medical examinations are usually mandatory and absolutely no drugs are tolerated.

Swimming in the Greenbacks

Quick warning: You will not get rich with a career in training dolphins. One organization's Web site reminds visitors "marine mammal scientists enter this field for the satisfaction of the work, not for the money-making potential of the career." Like any other career the money goes up with experience. But the competition is intense for such positions. And why not? Part of your job is to swim with dolphins. Average folks have to pay for the experience. In a recent survey, the median salary in the field was around $40,000. Those numbers won't break the bank, but you won't starve either. And if you do get a little hungry, you can probably sneak some smelt as a snack.

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8y ago

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