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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Animal Caretakers

Median Salary
31,200
Job Outlook
+15%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

60%

Self-employed

26%

Private not for profit

9%

State and local government

3%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 84,500 openings for animal care and service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$23,270

10%

$31,200

Median

$41,270

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    63%

  • Bachelor's degree

    13%

  • Associate's degree

    13%

  • Less than high school

    9%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Dog/Pet/Animal Grooming
  • Anthrozoology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.