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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
Central Minnesota 38033$17.08/hr$13.34/hr$14.60/hr$16.43/hr$18.01/hr$22.33/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
ManufacturingN/AN/A
Trade, Transportation and Utilities690$17.56/hr
Professional and Business Services640$15.41/hr
Education and Health Services130$22.40/hr
Leisure and Hospitality210$17.29/hr
Other Services2,860$16.41/hr
Public AdministrationN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA 50$15.38/hrN/A
Northeast Balance of State 60$17.29/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 100$14.56/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 120$14.73/hrN/A
St Cloud MN MSA 130$15.20/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 140$15.98/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 160$16.61/hrN/A
Duluth MN-WI MSA 160$15.13/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 210$14.21/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 220$16.61/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 260$17.83/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 340$14.83/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 350$15.41/hrN/A
Central Minnesota 380$16.43/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 410$14.63/hrN/A
Southeast Minnesota 460$17.41/hr14.9%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 2,620$16.91/hr15.0%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 2,910$16.87/hrN/A
Minnesota 4,610$16.53/hr14.7%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Nursing Assistants 26,970$22.28/hr2.4%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 10,150$17.26/hr2.4%
Postal Service Clerks 1,440$29.72/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.