Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace animal caretakers?AI replacement risk 27% and how the work is changing

United States Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$35,360
25th–75th pct. $29,820–$40,050
Top pay (est.)
$65,100
Top 10% $50,060
Pay in 5 years
$42,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$49,900est.
$42,900–$57,900
Outlook score
65/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
27%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+12.1%
63K openings / yr

Will AI replace Animal Caretakers? AI replacement risk

27%
Low
Ranked #217 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Animal Caretakers

Key skills

Active Listening
3.0
Service Orientation
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.9
Monitoring
2.9
Speaking
2.8
Writing
2.5
Coordination
2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.3
English Language
3.6
Administrative
3.0
Education and Training
2.8
Computers and Electronics
2.6
Administration and Management
2.5
Psychology
2.4
Chemistry
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityStatic StrengthNear VisionTrunk Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma
64%
Associate's degree
14%
Bachelor's degree
13%
Less than high school
10%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
33%
1–3 months
28%
3–6 months
15%
6–12 months
13%
None / short demo
11%

Related work experience

1–3 months
24%
None
18%
1–2 years
17%
2–4 years
14%
Up to 1 month
9%
3–6 months
9%
6–12 months
4%
4–6 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.