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Taxidermist
Taxidermists preserve mammals, birds, reptiles and fish for display in museums or private collections.
Average salary (a year)
£16000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
18.0 to 39.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
freelance / self-employed
managing your own hours
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:working towards this role; specialist training courses
Work
You could start as an assistant by finding a taxidermist who is willing to take you on and train you. You'll need an interest in taxidermy and some artistic ability.
It may also be possible to work as a customer service assistant in a larger workshop, dealing with enquiries and booking appointments. You would then train while working to get the skills and knowledge needed to qualify.
Other Routes
You could do an introductory course in taxidermy, offered by qualified members of the Guild of Taxidermists.
This would be a good way to learn more about the job and to meet people in the industry, which could lead to a trainee position.
More Information
Career Tips
You may find it helpful to have experience or qualifications in biology, anatomy or art and design.
Professional And Industry Bodies
You could join the Guild of Taxidermists for professional development and to make industry contacts.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a taxidermist from the Guild of Taxidermists
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of the fine arts
    Design skills and knowledge
    The ability to work well with your hands
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work on your own
    Persistence and determination
    The ability to sell products and services
    Customer service skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
Taxidermy is governed by strict regulations, covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As part of your day-to-day duties, you may
keep accurate notes about an animal's death, use hand and power tools to remove the animal's skin and skull, make artificial parts like eyes, beaks, and fish scales, build the interior support frame using wood, metal or plastic, reconstruct the animal to create a lifelike model, build a mount or natural backdrop for the display, keep up to date with UK legislation on the use of dead animals
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or in a museum.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be cramped and involve using chemicals.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
You could lead a team of taxidermists in a museum or offer workshops for taxidermy amateurs and professionals.
If you're self-employed, you could sell your own work or offer a repairs and restoration service. You could also hire out models to the props department of a film, TV or theatre production.
As your experience grows, you could become a master taxidermist and get specialist commissions.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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