What Animal Caretakers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Animal Caretakers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions"; "Answer telephones and schedule appointments"; "Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury"; "Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities"; "Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Animal Caretakers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 365,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 409,400 in 2035, an increase of 44,100 jobs (+12.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 62,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 17.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 24.8% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,360, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Animal Caretakers earn the most
Across the 5 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $32,970 in Indiana to $39,041 in California, a gap of $6,071 (1.18 times). 3 of those 5 states average above the BLS national median of $35,360 and 2 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 25,400, which is 27.6% of the 92,110 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 18,240.
Highest-paying states
California ($39,041), New York ($37,105) and New Jersey ($36,734) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($32,970) and Illinois ($34,355) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Animal Caretakers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 5 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $9,194. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $9,783 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 5 markets and falls short in 2. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 46.9% and 105.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about Animal Caretakers
What is the national median wage for Animal Caretakers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,360. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $32,970 to $39,041.
Which state pays Animal Caretakers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $39,041. New York is next at $37,105.
What is the job outlook for Animal Caretakers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 12.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 62,800 openings a year.
What education do Animal Caretakers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Animal Caretakers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $9,194 on a median wage of $36,110.