Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become animal caretakerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become animal caretakers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as animal caretakers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.