How to Become an Animal Caretaker in 2026
Median salary: $33,470 · +12.1% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does an Animal Caretaker do?
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.
Animal Caretaker Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers is $33,470. The bottom 10% earn around $24,500 while the top 10% earn over $46,480.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $24,500 |
| Early career (P25) | $28,870 |
| Median | $33,470 |
| Experienced (P75) | $37,160 |
| Top earners (P90) | $46,480 |
Highest-paying metros
Animal Caretaker salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $38,400 |
| District of Columbia | $37,980 |
| California | $37,200 |
| Massachusetts | $36,910 |
| New York | $36,500 |
| Connecticut | $36,330 |
| Maine | $36,310 |
| Maryland | $35,990 |
| Vermont | $35,600 |
| Alaska | $35,570 |
| Oregon | $35,310 |
| Colorado | $35,300 |
| Arizona | $35,170 |
| Rhode Island | $34,930 |
| New Jersey | $34,530 |
| Illinois | $34,440 |
| Hawaii | $34,410 |
| Minnesota | $33,790 |
| Montana | $32,290 |
| New Hampshire | $32,030 |
| Utah | $31,550 |
| Virginia | $30,830 |
| New Mexico | $30,720 |
| Delaware | $30,460 |
| North Dakota | $30,400 |
| Florida | $30,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,260 |
| Nebraska | $29,970 |
| Idaho | $29,910 |
| South Carolina | $29,900 |
| Texas | $29,810 |
| Tennessee | $29,800 |
| Michigan | $29,730 |
| Ohio | $29,700 |
| Iowa | $29,560 |
| Nevada | $29,530 |
| Wisconsin | $29,490 |
| South Dakota | $29,460 |
| Missouri | $29,390 |
| Kentucky | $29,370 |
| Arkansas | $29,370 |
| North Carolina | $28,900 |
| Georgia | $28,880 |
| Indiana | $28,800 |
| Wyoming | $28,780 |
| Oklahoma | $28,370 |
| West Virginia | $28,330 |
| Kansas | $27,970 |
| Alabama | $27,940 |
| Louisiana | $27,630 |
| Mississippi | $23,740 |
How to earn more as an Animal Caretaker
The salary range for Animal Caretakers spans $21,980 — from $24,500 at entry level to $46,480 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is High Desert Utah nonmetropolitan area at $49,980 — $16,510 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (industry-recognized certifications)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Most entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Look for apprenticeship programs through unions, trade associations, or the Department of Labor's ApprenticeshipUSA program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in 6–12 months. OSHA safety certifications are widely valued and often required.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (industry-recognized certifications)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Career changers are in demand across this field. Your existing professional skills — problem-solving, communication, time management, and work ethic — are valued by employers even if your technical skills are new. Many organizations offer orientation programs or short certification courses designed specifically for career changers. Contact industry associations, local unions, or community colleges for programs in your area.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Animal Caretaker — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
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The Animal Caretaker role has a moderate AI exposure score. Some tasks may be augmented by AI tools, but the core role remains human-driven.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Animal Caretaker.
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SOC: 39-2021.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034