The map below shows you the number of animal handler job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where animal handlers earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.

Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market. Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.We spoke to animal handler professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the animal handler job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the animal handler industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.

We spoke to animal handler professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the animal handler job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the animal handler industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.

Yes, animal handler jobs are in demand. Animal handler demand is projected to grow 28% from 2018 to 2028.

Animal Handler

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Animal Handlers

What is an animal handler?

Overview

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Animal handler skills

Skills

Animal handler education

Education

Animal handler demographics

Demographics

Best companies for animal handlers

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Animal handler trends

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Entry level animal handler jobs

Entry Level jobs

Full time jobs

Part time jobs

Entry level jobs

right-to-work

relocation

Year	# of jobs	% of population
2021	1,393	0.00%
2020	1,195	0.00%
2019	1,311	0.00%
2018	1,233	0.00%
2017	1,176	0.00%

Year	Avg. salary	Hourly rate	% Change
2025	$27,820	$13.37	+5.2%
2024	$26,433	$12.71	+4.3%
2023	$25,345	$12.19	+3.5%
2022	$24,481	$11.77	+4.4%
2021	$23,457	$11.28	+4.7%

Rank	State	Population	# of jobs	Employment/ 1000ppl
1	Iowa	3,145,711	306	10%
2	New Jersey	9,005,644	784	9%
3	Minnesota	5,576,606	427	8%
4	Pennsylvania	12,805,537	925	7%
5	Tennessee	6,715,984	490	7%
6	Indiana	6,666,818	479	7%
7	Massachusetts	6,859,819	464	7%
8	Wisconsin	5,795,483	415	7%
9	New Hampshire	1,342,795	100	7%
10	Maryland	6,052,177	392	6%
11	Kentucky	4,454,189	262	6%
12	Mississippi	2,984,100	169	6%
13	Kansas	2,913,123	164	6%
14	South Dakota	869,666	53	6%
15	Vermont	623,657	36	6%
16	Illinois	12,802,023	701	5%
17	Arizona	7,016,270	345	5%
18	Oregon	4,142,776	202	5%
19	Idaho	1,716,943	83	5%
20	Maine	1,335,907	69	5%

Job outlook for animal handlers in the United States

Are animal handler jobs in demand?

Animal handler job and salary trends over time

Animal handler jobs over time

Animal handler job growth rate over time

Average animal handler salary over time

Animal handler salary by year

Animal handler jobs by state

Most common states for animal handlers

Animal handler jobs