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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

39-2021 Nonfarm Animal Caretakers



Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise care for pets and other nonfarm animals, such as dogs, cats, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks. Excludes "Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers" (31-9096).

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Minnesota 4,200239$17.05/hr$12.32/hr$14.78/hr$16.67/hr$17.95/hr$21.68/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
ManufacturingN/AN/A
Trade, Transportation and Utilities670$17.36/hr
Professional and Business Services340$17.09/hr
Education and Health Services50$24.14/hr
Leisure and Hospitality130$17.00/hr
Other Services2,910$15.73/hr
Public Administration90$28.45/hr
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Northeast Balance of State 50$17.47/hrN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA 60$16.44/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 90$15.14/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 120$14.50/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 140$15.18/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 150$14.84/hrN/A
St Cloud MN MSA 150$15.18/hrN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA 160$14.84/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 180$16.92/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 190$14.01/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 200$15.08/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 280$14.70/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 310$14.30/hrN/A
Southeast Minnesota 350$16.07/hr14.9%
Central Minnesota 360$15.33/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 360$14.69/hrN/A
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 2,730$17.27/hr15.0%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 2,990$17.25/hrN/A
Minnesota 4,200$16.67/hr14.7%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Nursing Assistants 26,910$20.79/hr2.4%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 9,470$16.86/hr2.4%
Postal Service Clerks 1,480$29.27/hr-6.6%


  • Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
  • Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
  • Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
  • Adjust controls to regulate specified temperature and humidity of animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.
  • Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
  • Transfer animals between enclosures to facilitate breeding, birthing, shipping, or rearrangement of exhibits.
  • Sell pet food and supplies.
  • Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
  • Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
  • Answer telephones and schedule appointments.