16 Jobs With Animals That Pay Well

Working with animals can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. And there are actually a lot of jobs with animals that pay well.

Veterinarian

• Median salary: $99,250
• Job outlook: 19% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree

Veterinarians diagnose and treat animals, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care. They work in a variety of settings, including private clinics, animal shelters, and government agencies.

Veterinary Technician

• Median salary: $36,520
• Job outlook: 16% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Associate degree in veterinary technology

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians with a variety of tasks, such as taking vital signs, administering medication, and preparing animals for surgery. They work in a variety of settings, including private clinics, animal shelters, and government agencies.

Animal Trainer

• Median salary: $33,710
• Job outlook: 13% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Varies

Animal trainers work with animals to teach them specific behaviors. They work in a variety of settings, including zoos, aquariums, and circuses.

Animal Caretaker

• Median salary: $28,390
• Job outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Animal caretakers provide care to animals in a variety of settings, such as zoos, aquariums, and animal shelters. They feed, clean, and exercise animals, and they may also assist with veterinary care.

Animal Control Officer

• Median salary: $47,900
• Job outlook: 5% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Animal control officers enforce animal control laws and regulations. They respond to complaints about animals, investigate animal bites, and capture and impound stray animals.

Animal Shelter Manager

• Median salary: $51,120
• Job outlook: 4% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Bachelor's degree in animal science or a related field

Animal shelter managers oversee the operation of animal shelters. They are responsible for the care and welfare of the animals in the shelter, as well as for the staff and volunteers who work there.

Zookeeper

• Median salary: $43,680
• Job outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Zookeepers care for animals in zoos and other wildlife facilities. They feed, clean, and exercise animals, and they may also assist with veterinary care.

Aquarium Curator

• Median salary: $48,900
• Job outlook: 2% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, marine science, or a related field

Aquarium curators oversee the operation of aquariums and other aquatic facilities. They are responsible for the care and welfare of the animals in the aquarium, as well as for the staff and volunteers who work there.

Wildlife Biologist

• Median salary: $63,420
• Job outlook: 5% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Master's degree in wildlife biology or a related field

Wildlife biologists study the behavior, ecology, and conservation of wildlife. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, universities, and non-profit organizations.

Marine Mammal Trainer

• Median salary: $44,180
• Job outlook: 7% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Bachelor's degree in marine biology or a related field

Marine mammal trainers work with marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales, and sea lions, to teach them specific behaviors. They work in a variety of settings, including zoos, aquariums, and marine parks.

Pet Groomer

• Median salary: $27,630
• Job outlook: 21% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Pet groomers bathe, brush, and trim the fur of pets. They work in a variety of settings, including pet grooming salons, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters.

Dog Walker

• Median salary: $16.08 per hour
• Job outlook: 34% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Dog walkers walk dogs for a fee. They work in a variety of settings, including private homes, dog parks, and pet sitting businesses.

Pet Sitter

• Median salary: $16.42 per hour
• Job outlook: 27% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Pet sitters provide care to pets in the owner's absence. They feed, walk, and play with pets, and they may also administer medication and provide other care.

Animal Behaviorist

• Median salary: $59,240
• Job outlook: 7% growth from 2020 to 2030
• Education: Master's degree in animal behavior or a related field

Animal behaviorists study the behavior of animals and develop