Animal lovers rejoice! This list of high paying careers with animals will be sure to inspire you to pursue a career in animal care. Animal professionals regularly earn high salaries and enjoy working with a wide variety of species. Some careers are new and others are more established, but all promise exciting job options for people who love animals.
Are you interested in jobs that pay well, but working with animals sounds too messy? Do you love pets and want to do more than just play with your own furry friends? These high paying jobs as animal caretakers give you hands-on experience caring for animals.
High paying careers with animals
1. Groomer
- Median salary: $21,260
- Salary range: $17,160 to $34,780
- Minimum qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent
Groomers help pets look their best by cleaning them and trimming fur. Those who make the highest salary earn more than $34,000 a year. Groomers who work in Hawaii, California and Rhode Island typically make the most money.
How to become one: Animal caretakers must have at least a high school diploma. Most training takes place on the job, but some choose to study at a grooming school. Employers generally prefer candidates to have some experience working with animals. If you want to care for animals in a zoo, you will likely be required to have a bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology or a similar field.
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2. Kennel attendant, pet sitter and dog walker
- Median salary: $21,260
- Salary range: $17,160 to $34,780
- Minimum qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent
Kennel attendants, pet sitters and dog walkers care for pets while owners are traveling or unavailable. The highest-paid workers usually earn up to $34,780 a year. Those who work in states including Hawaii, California and Rhode Island usually earn the most.
How to become one: Generally, most kennel attendants, pet sitters and dog walkers must a obtain a minimum of a high school diploma. They learn additional skills on the job. Most employers prefer candidates to have previous experience taking care of pets. Those who work in kennels or shelters can learn more about the job by taking classes through the Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association. Pet sitters can obtain additional education through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. The organization offers courses, such as caring for parrots, dogs and dealing with pet behavioral issues.
3. Veterinary assistant
- Median salary: $24,360
- Salary range: $18,060 to $36,690
- Minimum qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent
Veterinary assistants work in a clinic or animal hospitals, helping veterinarians care for animals. They are responsible for helping veterinarians with routine tasks. The best-paid veterinarian assistants earn $36,690 a year. Those who work in states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine tend to earn the most.
How to become one: If you want to become a veterinary assistant, you should at least have a high school diploma. It also doesn’t hurt to love animals. Most veterinary assistants learn their trade on the job. Certification isn’t required, but it may help you get promoted or obtain an advanced position.
4. Laboratory animal caretaker
- Median salary: $24,360
- Salary range: $18,060 to $36,690
- Minimum qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent
Laboratory animal caretakers work in labs with animal scientists, biologists or veterinarians. They feed, care for and monitor the well-being of lab animals. The best-paid laboratory animal caretakers can earn as much as $36,690 a year. Those who work in states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine, earn the most.
How to become one: Laboratory animal caretakers are required to at least have a high school diploma. Most laboratory animal caretakers learn their trade through on-the-job training. Certification isn’t required to become a laboratory animal caretaker, but some employers prefer it. Having a certification could also help you get promoted or obtain an advanced position.
5. Trainer
- Median salary: $26,610
- Salary range: $18,160 to $57,170
- Minimum qualifications: no formal education requirements
Animal trainers are responsible for training animals for tasks, such as riding, performance, obedience or assisting the disabled. They also help animals become more comfortable with human interaction. The highest-paid animal trainers can earn an annual salary of up to $57,170. Those who work in states such as Minnesota, New York and California can make the most money.
How to become one: There are no formal education requirements to become an animal trainer. Those who work in the animal-training field usually receive on-the-job training. In addition, animal trainers can receive education through organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States.
6. Veterinary technicians
- Median salary: $31,800
- Salary range: $21,890 to $47,410
- Minimum qualifications: an associate degree
Veterinary technicians perform medical testing with the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. They help diagnose an animal’s injury or illness. Veterinary technicians who are in the 90th percentile of earners take home an annual salary of more than $47,000. Those who work in states such as Alaska, Massachusetts and New York earn the most.
How to become one: Those who desire to become veterinary technicians are required to complete a college-level program with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Candidates must enroll in either a two- or four-year program. Technicians are required to pass an exam and become registered, licensed or certified, depending on the state where they are employed.
Everyone knows money talks and value. With the ups and downs of the economy, trying to make ends meet is a daily occurrence for millions of people across America. Every career has ups and downs, but there are some careers that are consistently more lucrative than others. In this article we’re going to take a look at some of the best paying careers with animals.
