Is zookeeper a good career?

Being a zookeeper can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding career paths. With its huge range of responsibilities - including care, observation and training of animals - being a zookeeper has you familiarising yourself with the vast animal kingdom through a demanding job that requires the utmost dedication.



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Competition for jobs at zoos is intense despite the low pay and challenging working conditions. There are many more candidates than available positions. Most zookeepers enjoy their work, and turnover is low. The majority of new jobs result from the need to replace workers who leave the field.

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The average salary for a zookeeper is $14.05 per hour , though salaries range from $7.25 to $34.10 per hour. A zookeeper's wages depend on their education and experience. Those with a higher degree and more experience are likely to make a higher salary.

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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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Because animals need constant care, food and water, zookeepers might work long or unusual hours, including evenings and weekends. Zookeepers are on their feet often and might have to do physical tasks such as lifting heavy objects, moving cages and cleaning.

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The five states where Zookeeper jobs get higher salaries in the United States are: District of Columbia, California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts. Compared with the average salary of a Zookeeper in the United States, the state of District of Columbia with the highest job income for this job.

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Top companies for Zookeepers in United States
  • Woodland Park Zoo. 4.0 $28.36per hour. 62 reviews10 salaries reported.
  • DENVER ZOO. 3.6 $21.25per hour. 91 reviews7 salaries reported.
  • Detroit Zoological Society. 3.6 $20.66per hour. ...
  • City of Albuquerque. 3.7 $20.61per hour. ...
  • City of Norfolk, VA. 3.6 $18.80per hour. ...
  • Show more companies.


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

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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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It's a highly competitive field: There are a limited number of positions available in zoos, and competition for these jobs can be intense. Many zookeepers start out as volunteers or interns to gain experience and build connections in the industry.

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You should expect strong competition and salaries considered low relative to the level of education necessary to perform them. And these jobs aren't easy. Caring for animals can require around-the-clock attention in some settings. Wildlife biology can involve working outdoors in sometimes difficult field environments.

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Health and Safety Risks Even an otherwise docile animal may lash out viciously if ill or injured. Serious injuries at petting zoos are less common, but zookeeper and visitors may come down with a serious, life-threatening illness from handling animals or touching fences and railings.

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