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Job outlook for animal caregivers in the United States
Animal caregiver job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected animal caregiver job growth rate is 28% from 2018-2028.
About 101,200 new jobs for animal caregivers are projected over the next decade.
Animal caregiver salaries have increased 19% for animal caregivers in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,136 animal caregivers currently employed in the United States.
There are 57,251 active animal caregiver job openings in the US.
The average animal caregiver salary is $27,665.
Are animal caregiver jobs in demand?
Animal caregiver job and salary trends over time
Animal caregiver jobs over time
Animal caregiver job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,136 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,840 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,600 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,090 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,712 | 0.00% |
Average animal caregiver salary over time
Animal caregiver salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,665 | $13.30 | +5.2% |
| 2024 | $26,286 | $12.64 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $25,204 | $12.12 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $24,344 | $11.70 | +4.4% |
| 2021 | $23,326 | $11.21 | +4.7% |
Animal caregiver jobs by state
Most common states for animal caregivers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 164 | 2% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 117 | 2% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 89 | 2% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 84 | 2% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 69 | 2% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 30 | 2% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 22 | 2% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 15 | 2% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 12 | 2% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 10 | 2% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 190 | 1% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 152 | 1% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 60 | 1% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 56 | 1% |
| 15 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 39 | 1% |
| 16 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 12 | 1% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 12 | 1% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 12 | 1% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 12 | 1% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 6 | 1% |
Most common cities for animal caregivers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pinellas Park | 1 | 2% | $22,580 |
| 2 | Escondido | 1 | 1% | $28,158 |
Animal Caregiver job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of animal caregiver experts
Angelo State University
Dr. Chase Runyan
Associate Professor, Department Chair, Director of MIR/Research ScientistAngelo State University
Department of Agriculture
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Animal Caregiver job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Chase Runyan: Like a lot of industries, consumer confidence to continue spending for products and services will dictate the ability for employers to continue hiring or refilling positions for new graduates. Many students may find graduate school as an enticing option if hiring slows or the job market shrinks due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
What soft skills should all Animal Caregivers possess?
Dr. Chase Runyan: Adaptability will have a premium in the near future as new professionals enter the work force. Accountability in the agriculture sectors is also a highly valued asset.
What's a day at work look like for an Animal Caregiver?
Dr. Chase Runyan: Because agriculture industries are so diverse in their nature, it is nearly impossible to gauge what a work day might look like.