Salary Range
Below $25,000 to $75,000Overview
Anybody who works directly with animals, from the caretaker of your local park's petting zoo to the wildlife biologist who reintroduces wild animals to national parks, is an animal handler. Animal handlers care for, train, and study animals in such places as zoos, parks, research laboratories, animal breeding facilities, rodeos, and museums. An animal handler's job involves feeding the animals, cleaning their living and sleeping areas, preparing medications, and other aspects of basic care. A handler may also be actively involved in an animal's training, and in presenting animals to the public in shows and parks. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are about 268,830 nonfarm animal caretakers in the United States.
Minimum Education Level
High School DiplomaCertification/License
RecommendedOutlook
Much Faster than the AveragePersonality Traits
Athletic
Hands On
Realistic
Career Ladder
Zookeeper or Zoo Curator
Experienced Animal Handler
Entry-Level Animal Handler
Related Professions