What is a zoo keeper and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Chase Runyan
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a zoo keeper. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.16 an hour? That's $33,617 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 28% and produce 101,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What's a day at work look like for a Zoo Keeper?

D

Dr. Chase Runyan

Associate Professor, Department Chair, Director of MIR/Research Scientist, Angelo State University

Because agriculture industries are so diverse in their nature, it is nearly impossible to gauge what a work day might look like.
ScoreZoo KeeperUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,617

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.7

Growth Rate 28%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%

Asian 2.62%

Black or African American 4.24%

Hispanic or Latino 17.85%

Unknown 6.48%

White 68.32%

Gender

female 64.75%

male 35.25%

Age - 29
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 29
Stress Level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
8.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Zoo Keeper career paths

Key steps to become a zoo keeper

  1. Explore zoo keeper education requirements

    Most common zoo keeper degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.0 %

    Associate

    12.2 %

    High School Diploma

    12.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific zoo keeper skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Animal Husbandry17.44%
    Animal Exhibits16.43%
    AZA11.67%
    USDA4.49%
    Hoof4.43%
  3. Complete relevant zoo keeper training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New zoo keepers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a zoo keeper based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real zoo keeper resumes.
  4. Research zoo keeper duties and responsibilities

    • Manage complicated water filtration systems, and implement nutrition plans for a variety of snake species.
    • Assist in producing illustrations and animation material to develop tutoring videos for math and physics.
    • Provide environmental enrichment for various mammal and raptor species.
  5. Prepare your zoo keeper resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your zoo keeper resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a zoo keeper resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Zoo Keeper Resume templates

    Build a professional Zoo Keeper resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Zoo Keeper resume.
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
    Zoo Keeper Resume
  6. Apply for zoo keeper jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a zoo keeper job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Zoo Keeper Job

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Average zoo keeper salary

The average Zoo Keeper salary in the United States is $33,617 per year or $16 per hour. Zoo keeper salaries range between $22,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average Zoo Keeper Salary
$33,617 Yearly
$16.16 hourly

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How do zoo keepers rate their job?

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Zoo Keeper reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

That I'm with animals learn about the way a human mind can turn on such beautiful creators scares me for once day man will go to far

Cons

I don't think there is anything that I don't like about this job right now


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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