Skip to main content

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 35037$16.21/hr$11.80/hr$13.98/hr$14.79/hr$17.44/hr$20.01/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Trade, Transportation and Utilities540$14.81/hr
Professional and Business Services580$14.65/hr
Education and Health Services30$28.27/hr
Leisure and HospitalityN/AN/A
Other Services2,630$16.16/hr
Public AdministrationN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA 40$14.26/hrN/A
Northeast Balance of State 60$16.27/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 80$14.99/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 90$14.19/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 100$15.20/hr21.7%
St Cloud MN MSA 130$14.51/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 170$14.86/hr22.9%
Duluth MN-WI MSA 180$14.87/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 180$11.17/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 180$16.16/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 200$14.97/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 280$14.38/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 280$14.71/hrN/A
Central Minnesota 350$14.79/hr23.6%
Northwest Minnesota 360$15.02/hr25.3%
Southeast Minnesota 360$15.34/hr22.8%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 2,460$17.20/hr24.3%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 2,720$16.36/hrN/A
Minnesota 3,940$15.32/hr23.9%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Nursing Assistants 24,860$19.44/hr3.6%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 9,010$15.55/hr5.3%
Postal Service Clerks 1,460$27.58/hr-9.0%


  • 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.