VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Animal Behaviorist Salary
in Arlington, VA

Study and modify animal behavior for research, therapy, and training applications. Median salary in Arlington: $74K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$74K
per year
Take-home: $48K

Salary range in Arlington

Entry level (25th)$54,000
Median (50th)$74,000
Senior (75th)$102,000
Top earner (90th)$138,000

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

Key facts for Arlington

Median salary
$74K
annual
Take-home pay
$48K
after fed/state tax
COL index
148
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,500
per month
YoY growth
+4.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Arlington 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 $74K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Arlington

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

HistoricalProjected
Animal Behaviorist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$62K$68K$73K$79K$84K201920212023202520272029
2026
$76K
projected
2027
$78K
projected
2028
$80K
projected
2029
$82K
projected
2030
$84K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$74,000+$0
2028 projected$74,000+$0
2029 projected$74,000+$0
2030 projected$74,000+$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 Arlington, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Animal Behaviorist salary in Arlington, VA is $74,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Arlington–VA 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 Arlington

Entry-level Animal Behaviorists in Arlington with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $54,000 and $74,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $74,000 to $102,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $102,000 to $138,000 or more.

Cost of living in Arlington for Animal Behaviorists

Arlington has a cost of living index of 148 compared to the US national average of 100. Arlington's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Virginia has a 5.75% 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
Arlington (current)$74K148
Virginia Beach$61K98
Norfolk$59K95
Chesapeake$61K98
Richmond$62K98
Newport News$59K95