Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for zoo keepers in the United States
Are zoo keeper jobs in demand?
Zoo keeper job and salary trends over time
Zoo keeper jobs over time
Zoo 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 zoo keeper salary over time
Zoo keeper salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,617 | $16.16 | +5.2% |
| 2024 | $31,941 | $15.36 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $30,626 | $14.72 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $29,582 | $14.22 | +4.4% |
| 2021 | $28,345 | $13.63 | +4.7% |
Zoo keeper jobs by state
Most common states for zoo keepers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 23 | 1% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 4 | 1% |
| 3 | California | 39,536,653 | 27 | 0% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 9 | 0% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 8 | 0% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 5 | 0% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 3 | 0% |
| 8 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 3 | 0% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 3 | 0% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 3 | 0% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 2 | 0% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 2 | 0% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1 | 0% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 1 | 0% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 1 | 0% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1 | 0% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 0 | 0% |
Zoo Keeper job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of zoo keeper experts
Angelo State University
International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association
Dr. Chase Runyan
Associate Professor, Department Chair, Director of MIR/Research ScientistAngelo State University
Department of Agriculture
What's a day at work look like for a Zoo 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.
What Zoo Keeper skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Hunt: It is uncommon for an entry-level applicant's resume to make it through a zoo's human resources filter without at least one animal-related internship. Most zoos and aquariums offer internship programs for college students looking to pursue a career in zoology or animal training. Although these programs are offered year-round, at some locations, the internship "season" is typically in spring and summer. Internships are generally competitive and require a comprehensive application and interview process. Interested students can learn more about current internships and internship postings by visiting the website of the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) at www.imata.org. Additionally, IMATA has historically offered informative career-focused workshops and a job fair at their international conferences; the 50th annual IMATA conference will be held in Chicago, IL in spring 2022.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Zoo Keepers in the next 3-5 years?
Michael Hunt: Advances in technology have allowed caregivers and veterinarians to provide the animals in their charge with cutting edge preventative medicine; this is true in both small animal hospitals and in zoological settings. While it is challenging to pinpoint one emerging technology that will become more prevalent in the near future, it is safe to say that applicants who are tech-savvy could be well positioned as institutions migrate away from antiquated analog processes.