Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Animal caretakers support the care and well-being of animals in a variety of settings. Nationally, this occupation employs about 392,000 people and has a projected employment growth of 12.1%. That combination of a large existing workforce and double-digit projected growth suggests ongoing demand and a sizeable job market. The role is accessible to many job seekers because the typical education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, yet it still draws on a broad mix of skills, including physical strength and stamina, customer service, science, and interpersonal abilities. There are about 75,000 annual openings nationwide, indicating frequent opportunities for entry, re-entry, or advancement. Animal caretakers can also draw on skills such as adaptability, mechanical aptitude, project management, fine motor abilities, creativity and innovation, and comfort with computers and information technology. For people who want to work directly around animals and people while building a versatile skill set, this career offers a structured yet flexible path with varied geographic options.
The national median annual salary for animal caretakers is $33,470. Within this national picture, certain states and metro areas show higher median pay. Among the top states by opportunity score, Washington reports a median salary of $40,570, while Massachusetts is at $39,650 and California at $38,700. New York and Colorado are close behind, at $37,840 and $37,430, respectively. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA stands out with a median salary of $44,070, followed by San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $43,640. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH records $39,850, while the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metros offer median salaries of $37,900 and $37,710. These figures show that earnings for animal caretakers can vary meaningfully by location, particularly in selected metropolitan areas and higher-paying states.
Animal caretakers have a sizable and growing presence in the labor market. National employment is about 392,000, reflecting many existing positions across the country. Looking ahead, projected employment growth is 12.1%, indicating that the total number of jobs in this occupation is expected to increase. In addition to growth, the occupation has about 75,000 annual openings. This combination of growth and openings reflects both new positions and opportunities created as people change jobs or leave the workforce. The same 12.1% projected growth rate is reported across several highlighted states and metro areas, suggesting consistent expansion in multiple regions. For job seekers, this means a flow of opportunities over time rather than a static job market. Individuals considering animal caretaking can plan for an environment where both current employment and future prospects are substantial, with recurring chances to enter the field, move between employers, or pursue roles in different regions.
Geography plays a noticeable role in opportunities for animal caretakers. Among states, California ranks highly, with 25,710 employed animal caretakers, a median salary of $38,700, and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York also stand out, offering median salaries of $39,650 and $37,840 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively. Colorado and Washington round out the top states, with Washington offering the highest state-level median salary listed at $40,570. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has an opportunity score of 77.42 and the highest median salary in the group at $44,070. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro also scores strongly, with an opportunity score of 77.27 and employment of 11,430. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH all combine solid salaries, notable employment levels, and double-digit projected growth, giving candidates multiple strong regional options.
The typical education requirement for animal caretakers is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to individuals who are early in their education or career path, as well as to career changers who may not hold advanced degrees. While formal education requirements are relatively modest, the skill profile is broad. Physical strength and stamina are important, alongside strong customer service and interpersonal skills for working with people. Science knowledge is also relevant, supporting understanding of animal-related concepts. Adaptability helps animal caretakers respond to changing situations, and mechanical skills can support work with equipment or tools. Project management and fine motor skills contribute to organizing tasks and handling detailed work. Creativity and innovation, together with comfort using computers and information technology, round out a modern, versatile skill set that can support performance and advancement within this occupation and in related roles such as physical therapist aides, food servers (nonrestaurant), parking enforcement workers, lifeguards and related protective service workers, or forest and conservation workers.
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