How common are paid zoo internships?

Paid zoo internships are relatively rare. Based on our analysis of the AZA job board, we found that only 18% of advertised internships offered any compensation for the position. This means that, on average, approximately 82% of zoo internships are unpaid.

Zoo internships that are paid also tended to offer housing or living stipends and typically required 40 hours per week for a certain period of time. Unpaid internships, however, were more likely to require 10-30 hours per week depending on the role and facility.

How we determine the rate of paid zoo internships

This data is based on the rate of paid zoo internships that were analyzed in October 2023.

Out of the 68 internships listed on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums job board in October, only 12 were paid, meaning that about 82% of zoo internships are unpaid.