Animal Caretakers
Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals.
Is animal caretakers a good career?
It scores 29/100 and ranks #151 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+12.1% through 2034)
- High volume of openings — about 74,600 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($35,360 vs $61,390)
What animal caretakers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. animal caretakers earn between $29,820 and $40,050 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live animal caretakers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Animal care and service workers typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Although pet groomers typically learn by working under the guidance of an experienced groomer, they can also attend grooming schools.
Animal trainers usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may require a bachelor’s degree. For example, marine mammal trainers usually need a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, animal science, biology, or a related field.
Dog trainers and horse trainers may take courses at community colleges or vocational and private training schools.
Most zoos require zookeepers to have a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, or a related field.
Training
Most animal care and service workers learn through on-the-job training.
Animal trainers may learn their skills from an experienced trainer. Pet groomers often learn their trade under the guidance of an experienced groomer.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although not required, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills. For example, professional associations and private vocational and state-approved trade schools offer certification for dog trainers.
Many states require self-employed animal care and service workers to have a business license.
Important qualities
Compassion. Animal care and service workers must be compassionate when dealing with animals and their owners. They should treat animals with kindness.
Customer-service skills. Animal care and service workers should understand pet owners’ needs so they can provide excellent customer service. Some workers may need to deal with distraught pet owners. For example, caretakers working in animal shelters may need to reassure owners looking for a lost pet.
Detail oriented. Animal care and service workers are often responsible for maintaining records and monitoring changes in animals’ behavior.
Patience. All animal caretakers and animal trainers need to be patient when working with animals.
Physical stamina. Animal care and service workers must be able to kneel, crawl, and lift heavy supplies, such as bags of food.
Problem-solving skills. Animal trainers must be able to assess whether animals are responding to teaching methods and to identify which methods are successful.
Reliability. Animal care and service workers need to care for animals on schedule and in a timely manner.
Related occupations
How much do animal caretakers make?
The national median wage is $35,360 a year, with the middle half earning between $29,820 and $40,050 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is animal caretakers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 29 of 100 and ranks #151 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +12.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a animal caretaker?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do animal caretakers earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($44,210). Local pay for every state and metro is below.