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Job outlook for animal shelter workers in the United States
Are animal shelter worker jobs in demand?
Yes, animal shelter worker jobs are in demand. Animal shelter worker demand is projected to grow 28% from 2018 to 2028.
Animal shelter worker job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of animal shelter worker jobs and the average animal shelter worker salary over time.
Animal shelter worker jobs over time
Animal shelter worker job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,996 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,571 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,820 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,653 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,529 | 0.00% |
Average animal shelter worker salary over time
Animal shelter worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,011 | $15.87 | +5.2% |
| 2024 | $31,366 | $15.08 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $30,075 | $14.46 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $29,050 | $13.97 | +4.4% |
| 2021 | $27,834 | $13.38 | +4.7% |
Animal shelter worker jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of animal shelter worker job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where animal shelter workers earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Most common states for animal shelter workers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 226 | 17% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 303 | 16% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 140 | 16% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 103 | 15% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 958 | 13% |
| 6 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 780 | 13% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 392 | 13% |
| 8 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 229 | 13% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,234 | 12% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 667 | 12% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 510 | 12% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,110 | 11% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 972 | 11% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 407 | 11% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 107 | 11% |
| 16 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,107 | 10% |
| 17 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 490 | 10% |
| 18 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 457 | 10% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 219 | 10% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 178 | 10% |
Most common cities for animal shelter workers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scranton | 1 | 1% | $26,614 |
Animal Shelter Worker job outlook: Expert opinions
We spoke to animal shelter worker professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the animal shelter worker job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the animal shelter worker industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our panel of animal shelter worker 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 Shelter Workers 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 Shelter Worker?
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 shelter worker jobs
Updated January 26, 2021