Aquarist salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Aquarist in United States is approximately 32,859 USD (32,733 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Aquarist do?

An aquarist is a professional who specializes in the care and management of aquariums, both in public institutions such as zoos, aquariums, and marine parks, as well as in private homes or businesses. They are responsible for creating and maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment for aquatic animals, including fish, invertebrates, and plants. Aquarists perform a range of tasks, including feeding and monitoring the health of the animals, maintaining water quality and filtration systems, designing and setting up aquarium displays, and educating visitors about the species and their habitats. They may also be involved in breeding programs, conducting research, and implementing conservation initiatives.

Skills: Aquarist, Aquarium Specialist, Fish Keeper, Marine Biologist, Aquatic Animal Caretaker, Aquarium Curator
Job industry: Zoological

How much does Aquarist make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Aquarist a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Aquarist is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Aquarist might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Aquarist?

High salary for Aquarist would be somewhere between 36,145 USD and 47,646 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Aquarist in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 32,859 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,738 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 632 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 16 USD per hour
By working as Aquarist a person can save up to 448 USD per month or 5,373 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Aquarist

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Garment technician (30,292 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Chemical processing laborer (34,611 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Trainee photographer (20,503 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Investment principal (113,553 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Plant engineer (89,467 USD per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results