Zookeeper: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$35,360

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

266,910

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 1-2 of 5

very little to some preparation

Most common education

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

64% of workers

Data Government data groups this job as Animal Caretakers (O*NET-SOC 39-2021.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
2. Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
3. Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
4. Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
5. Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
6. Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
7. Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
8. Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.

Telework available

less than 0.5%

of workers had the ability to telework

Workday sitting

14.2%

mean share of the day required to sit

Most common strength level

Medium

69.9% of workers

Can pause work

48.3%

of workers could take short, unscheduled breaks

Self-paced workload

less than 0.5%

of workers set their own workload

Employer-changed schedules

54.5%

of workers had schedules changed by the employer week to week

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. Estimates are preliminary; ranges are shown as published.

1. Personal and laundry services39.9% of all jobs in this occupation · +18.3% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $36,600
2. Professional, scientific, and technical services9.9% of all jobs in this occupation · +10.1% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $34,480
3. Sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers8.9% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.0% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $39,270
4. Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations3.1% of all jobs in this occupation · +10.7% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $35,380
5. Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals2.4% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.4% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $43,350
6. Animal production and aquaculture2.3% of all jobs in this occupation · +1.6% projected change here 2025–35

Sources: BLS 2025–35 National Employment Matrix (share of the occupation's jobs, projected change) and BLS OEWS May 2025 industry estimates (mean wage). Different industry estimates are not a pay forecast for any person.

Knowledge areas: Customer and Personal Service, Administrative, English Language.

• Microsoft AccessData base user interface and query softwareHot technology
• Microsoft ExcelSpreadsheet softwareHot technology
• Microsoft Office softwareOffice suite softwareHot technology
• Microsoft OutlookElectronic mail softwareHot technology
• Microsoft PowerPointPresentation softwareHot technology
• Microsoft WordWord processing softwareHot technology
• CEEJS The Pet Groomer's SecretaryData base user interface and query software
• DaySmart Software 123PetData base user interface and query software
• DaySmart Software Appointment-PlusCalendar and scheduling software
• Envision Pet GroomingData base user interface and query software
• Groom ProCalendar and scheduling software
• GroomsoftData base user interface and query software

Also called: Dog Groomer, Animal Caretaker, Animal Care Giver (ACG), Aquarist, Dog Bather, Groomer, Kennel Attendant.