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Job outlook for animal keepers in the United States
Are animal keeper jobs in demand?
Yes, animal keeper jobs are in demand. Animal keeper demand is projected to grow 28% from 2018 to 2028.
Animal keeper job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of animal keeper jobs and the average animal keeper salary over time.
Animal keeper jobs over time
Animal keeper job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,801 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,403 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,637 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,480 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,364 | 0.00% |
Average animal keeper salary over time
Animal keeper salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,829 | $14.82 | +5.2% |
| 2024 | $29,292 | $14.08 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $28,086 | $13.50 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $27,129 | $13.04 | +4.4% |
| 2021 | $25,994 | $12.50 | +4.7% |
Animal keeper jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of animal keeper job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where animal keepers earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Most common states for animal keepers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 57 | 2% |
| 2 | California | 39,536,653 | 294 | 1% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 99 | 1% |
| 4 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 87 | 1% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 68 | 1% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 64 | 1% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 54 | 1% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 45 | 1% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 44 | 1% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 36 | 1% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 32 | 1% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 25 | 1% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 23 | 1% |
| 14 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 15 | 1% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 11 | 1% |
| 16 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 7 | 1% |
| 17 | Vermont | 623,657 | 7 | 1% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 6 | 1% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 5 | 1% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 5 | 1% |
Animal Keeper job outlook: Expert opinions
We spoke to animal keeper professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the animal keeper job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the animal keeper industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our panel of animal keeper experts
Dr. Chase Runyan
Angelo State University
Dr. Chase Runyan
Associate Professor, Department Chair, Director of MIR/Research ScientistAngelo State University
Department of Agriculture
What soft skills should all Animal Keepers 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 Keeper?
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.
Animal keeper jobs
Updated January 26, 2021