Best-Paying Jobs For Animal Lovers In 2024

Working with animals is one of the most exciting jobs. Working with animals is typically for people who want to make a difference and feel motivated by their profession. If you want to learn more about this subject and feel fulfilled on a daily basis, there are numerous employment alternatives available.

What jobs are available for animal lovers?

Animal employment might involve research, direct care, medical care, or training, and they require varying levels of expertise and schooling. Employees that seek animal employment frequently report high levels of happiness.

Jobs for animal lovers

1. Animal caretaker

• National average salary: $62,430 per year

An animal caretaker contributes to the welfare of animals at zoos, animal shelters, clinics, and other settings. You must provide them with food, drink, adequate living space, and time to exercise while they are under your care. It is anticipated that you play with them as needed and monitor any changes in their mood or health.

2. Animal trainer

• National average salary: $46,038 per year

Animal trainers work with various animals to perform specific tricks to impress the audience. Traveling is required for this role, as you’ll work with animals during a circus and perform with them when necessary. Also, you need to train the animals to be loyal to you to work with them.

Education requirements: You should have a high school diploma or GED, but a bachelor’s degree in marine biology may be required to work with marine animals like dolphins or whales.

3. Veterinary assistant

• National average salary: $37,494 per year

A veterinary assistant is the first person to treat an injured animal. They consult with pet owners about health concerns, as well as schedule appointments, complete necessary documentation, and conduct follow-up procedures as needed.

Educational requirements: A high school diploma or GED will suffice for an entry-level position, but an associate degree is advised if you want to expand your career as a technician.

4. Zookeeper

• National average salary: $39,208 per year

Zookeepers specifically catered to wounded animals in zoos. Feeding, grooming, cleaning, and watching behavior are all common jobs for zookeepers. They also answer critical public issues concerning zoo animals, including their diet and interactions with people.

Education requirements: Zookeepers must have a bachelor’s degree in biology to serve in this role. Internships and volunteer opportunities can help you land an entry-level career.

5. Breeder

National average salary: $77,562 per year

A breeder typically works with one animal and manages the breeding process, such as dogs and cats. The breeder also works closely with the veterinarian to ensure that the puppies are healthy.

Educational requirements: There is no formal educational requirement to become a breeder, although it is recommended that someone in this capacity understands the sort of animal they intend to breed and consults with a veterinarian throughout the process.

6. Veterinary technician

• National average salary: $37,253 per year

A veterinary technician tends for animals in specific animal hospitals. They undertake routine exams, surgeries, and emergency procedures, as well as give drugs. They also run tests, preserve medical records, and take X-rays of their bones.

Educational requirements: To be considered for employment, you must have an associate degree in veterinary technology and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. To improve your prospects, consider joining the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

7. Animal control officer

• National average salary: $45,440 per year

Animal control agents help enforce animal abuse laws. They look for injured animals in their community and answer complaints regarding animal incidents from neighbors. They also create reports on actions for their records.

Educational requirements: A high school diploma or GED is required. They will require past experience working with animals, so look at volunteer opportunities in your region.

8. Veterinary nurse

• National average salary: $48,731 per year

A veterinary nurse varies from a technician in that she works with a qualified veterinarian to perform medical operations. They will mostly be working on animal physicals, but they can also help with blood draws and immunizations.

Education requirements: A high school graduation or a GED is required, however the specific requirements vary by state. However, the majority of them need you to complete a training program.

9. Pet groomer

• National average salary: $48,414 per year

A pet groomer’s primary task is to keep the animals clean and groomed. They can cut your pet’s hair, clean their teeth, and trim their fingernails. You’ll need to communicate effectively with pet owners and be patient when working with the pets you’re grooming.

Education requirements: There is no formal schooling required to become a groomer, but prior experience with pets is preferred.

10. Pet sitter

National average salary: $39,246 per year

If owners are unable to care for their pets for a certain amount of time, a pet sitter takes on the responsibility. Pet sitters can play with pets, clean up after them, and follow their owners’ directions. Owners can discover reputable sitters online, but they should hire someone they know.

Education requirements: There is no formal education required to become a pet sitter, but prior experience with pets is preferred.

11. Marine biologist

• National average salary: $46,773 per year

A marine biologist investigates all aquatic life and its properties. They also observe how undersea life interacts with other species and the surroundings. Research can also be related to their encounters with humans, and they may need to scuba dive to obtain more information.

Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in marine biology is essential, but a master’s degree allows personnel to advance to higher-level positions.

12. Animal nutritionist

National average salary: $52,929 per year

An animal nutritionist helps animals by knowing their dietary needs so they can be fed the right nutrients. They assess their eating habits and give specific dietary recommendations to a zoo or the government.

Educational requirements: A bachelor’s degree in animal science is sufficient for entry-level positions, but a master’s degree can help you advance.

13. Wildlife biologist

• National average salary:$62,022 per year

A wildlife biologist is comparable to a marine biologist, except they research animal behavior on land as well as the interactions between plants and their ecosystems. They also investigate the human impact on various forms of wildlife and can go out into the field to collect specimens and do further research.

Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in zoology, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology. To work in this sector, a master’s degree is suggested due to the intense competition.

14. Conservation land manager

• National average salary: $89,104 per year

A conservation land manager’s responsibility is to safeguard animals on the land to which they are allocated. This could be a forest, a park, or property controlled by a firm or the government.

Education requirements: They must hold a bachelor’s degree, ideally in resource management, and should participate in internships or volunteer programs to get further experience. Some states may demand a license as well.

15. Veterinarian

• National average salary: $120,679 per year

A veterinarian is the primary doctor for animals in a hospital or other medical facility. They treat animals that are ailing or diseased. They also monitor an animal’s dietary patterns, conduct exams, provide diagnoses, and perform immunizations and exams.

Education requirements: A veterinarian must hold a doctorate in veterinary medicine. They must also pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, as well as any additional state tests that may be required.