Zookeeper Assistant as a Career
Zoo requirements vary depending on what type of work you want to do. In general, a zookeeper career involves animal care, animal behavior, conservation and education. Just as job requirements vary, so do salaries. How much do zookeepers make? It depends on the type of zoo job but zookeeper assistants, for instance, currently average around $40,821 per year, and the job does not require years of schooling.
If you love animals being a zookeeper assistant can be a dream job. Common zookeeper assistant job tasks include cleaning, feeding, watering, exercising and/or training the animals under the direct supervision of one or more higher-ranking zookeepers. The term “zookeeper” can apply to a variety of positions at a facility, depending on its size and staffing capabilities. Job titles can range from general curator to animal-care supervisor to animal keeper to zookeeper assistant. In some zoos, zookeeper assistants are sometimes considered entry-level zookeeper jobs.
Zookeeper Assistant Career Earning Potential
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Honolulu Zoo, PayScale & Indeed.com 2024. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
Animal Behavior College’s Zookeeper Assistant Program teaches you the skills necessary to become a successful zookeeper assistant. The program is packed full of information about the care of exotic animals, including, animal health, animal behavior and training, conservation and breeding programs, safety and career building.
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Common Questions About a Zookeeper Assistant Career
How do you become a zookeeper assistant?
How much do zookeeper assistants make?
Is being a zookeeper assistant worth it?
What does a zookeeper assistant do?
Who hires zookeeper assistants?
Is a zookeeper assistant a good career?
Become an ABC Certified Zookeeper Assistant
Can you see yourself bottle feeding a tiger cub? Do you want to be part of the conservation efforts of endangered species? If you answered, yes, to either of these questions, you are a great candidate for enrollment in our Zookeeper Assistant Program.
As a school specializing in animal career training programs, this unique course will provide you with the education and certification that will help you stand out when interviewing for volunteer and employment opportunities at both zoos and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
Where Can Zookeeper Assistants Work?
Zookeeper assistants have the knowledge and experience to work or volunteer with exotic animals in various capacities. Opportunities for graduates of the Zookeeper Assistant Program include:
- Zoos
- Wildlife sanctuaries and safari parks
- Wildlife rescue organizations
- Theme parks
- Aquariums
- Animal ranches
- Exotic animal hospitals and veterinary facilities
- Animal conservation and research organizations
- Movie/TV/Video wild animal wrangler
- Wildlife Animal Educator
- Animal Control Officer
- Wildlife Photographer
There are literally thousands of exotic animal zoos, rehabilitation centers, conservatories and exhibitors throughout the United States. As students progress through their studies, we will share this list to help you with employment opportunities. Please note that no school can offer an employment guarantee. Although we are there to assist you with your education and putting your best foot forward, Animal Behavior College can make no promises or guarantees about students securing employment.
How Much Does a Zookeeper Assistant Make?
According to Indeed.com, Zookeeper assistants currently make an average of $40,821 per year, and the job outlook is strong. The Department of Labor Statistics has identified zookeeper assistant jobs as having above average growth. This is great news for anyone pursuing a zookeeper assistant career!
Our Zookeeper Assistant Program is designed to help people obtain an entry-level Zookeeper Assistant position at a small to mid-size zoo.
How to Become a Zookeeper
Our Zookeeper Assistant Program is designed to help people build a solid knowledge base which will assist them in pursuing an entry-level Zookeeper Assistant position at a small to mid-size zoo. If you are interested in advancing your career and becoming a Zookeeper, it is likely you will need a higher level of education and years of experience working at zoos.
In order to obtain a job as a Zookeeper at a larger zoo, such as the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, the St. Louis Zoo or the Woodland Park Zoo, applicants should look to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal biology, zoo technology, animal health, zoo management, ecology and some species-specific degrees such as primatology. These degrees are usually costly and time consuming. They are also challenging subjects for many and often require a student’s full attention, making it difficult to balance work and school successfully.
These are options you could pursue once you are certain that a zookeeping career is right for you and you desire to work as a Zookeeper in a large-scale zoo. Having a certification such as one from Animal Behavior College’s Zookeeper Assistant Program can be the first step in exploring a career in zookeeping in a small to mid-level zoo or wildlife sanctuary. This will give you the opportunity to see if a zookeeping career is the right path for you.
Call our Admissions team to learn more about zoo careers and start your zookeeper education today 800-795-3294.
