Animal Care and Service Workers – Salary & Career Outlook (2025 Update)
Animal care and service workers play a vital role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of pets and animals in shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, and pet grooming facilities. Whether walking dogs, feeding animals, or assisting with rehabilitation and grooming, these professionals are essential to the animal care industry.
Key Salary Insights (2025)
- National Average Annual Wage: $33,740
- Hourly Mean Wage: $16.22
- Salary Range: $23,500 – $46,890+
- Top 10% Earn: Over $46,000 annually
Top Paying Industries for Animal Care Workers
| Industry | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Social Advocacy Organizations | $44,820 |
| Federal Executive Branch | $43,760 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $42,190 |
| Local Government (excluding schools/hospitals) | $41,620 |
| Educational Services (Private) | $39,950 |
Top Paying States for Animal Care Workers (2025)
| State | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $23.50 | $48,880 |
| Hawaii | $21.90 | $45,550 |
| Washington | $20.40 | $42,430 |
| Massachusetts | $20.05 | $41,710 |
| California | $19.80 | $41,190 |
Job Outlook & Growth
- Job Outlook (2023–2033): 16% growth – much faster than average
- Reasons for Growth: Rising pet ownership, increased spending on pet services, and expanding roles in animal rescue and rehabilitation
Minimum Education & Work Environment
- Education Required: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training is common
- Work Settings: Animal shelters, grooming businesses, zoos, pet stores, veterinary clinics, and research labs
- Work Schedule: May include evenings, weekends, and holidays
Related Occupations
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Animal Trainers
- Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Animal care and service workers not only enjoy a fast-growing job market but also the personal satisfaction of helping animals daily. While the pay varies by industry and location, passion for animal welfare is a consistent trait across the profession.
(Updated: May 2025)
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