Are zoo workers underpaid?

Zookeepers play a crucial role in modern zoos, but they are often underpaid and underappreciated.



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A Zookeeper in your area makes on average $19 per hour, or $0.71 (39.179%) more than the national average hourly salary of $18.01. California ranks number 19 out of 50 states nationwide for Zookeeper salaries.

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Zookeeping can be a physically demanding job, and many zookeepers experience back pain or other injuries as a result of their work. The work can be emotionally challenging, especially when animals become sick or injured. Zookeepers may have to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

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The personal and professional satisfaction that zoo keepers find in their jobs varies from person to person. Most zoo keepers have a deep and lifelong love for animals and really enjoy providing for their day-to-day care.

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Highest paying cities for Zookeepers near United States
  • Albuquerque, NM. $19.74 per hour. 11 salaries reported.
  • Houston, TX. $16.15 per hour. 5 salaries reported.
  • Santa Rosa, CA. $15.82 per hour. 7 salaries reported.
  • Dallas, TX. $15.64 per hour. 6 salaries reported.
  • Austin, TX. $15.00 per hour. ...
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The Economic Impact of Zoos The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos drew 183 million visitors to U.S. zoos and aquariums. AZA-member zoos in the States employed 198,000 people. The report estimated the total economic output of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in 2018 to be $22.5 billion.

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Being a zookeeper can be physically and emotionally demanding. Zookeepers are at risk of getting bitten, kicked or otherwise injured when handling or restraining animals. They might have to manage stressful or difficult situations such as animals becoming injured, sick or euthanized.

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Cleaning and maintaining animal habitats. Preparing food and feeding animals. Training animals so there can be safe exams and interactions. Observing animals' behavior throughout the day.

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We recommend approximately three hours to see the entire Zoo, depending on the size and ages of your group and how fast you walk. Because we create exhibits that replicate the animals' natural habitats, some animals can be difficult to see and visitors may be required to spend more time in observation.

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Children of all ages love to experience new things, and every exhibit at the zoo offers opportunities for novel sensory experiences. The limitless variety of animal behaviors can even surprise and delight children who have been to the zoo many times.

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Zookeepers have to use math all the time! They have to weigh the animals, see how long they are, measure out the food they eat and much more.

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