Zookeepers

Most people who choose a career as a zookeeper do not do so for the money, but because they feel compassion for and enjoy being around animals.

Salaries vary widely among zoological parks and depend on the size and location of the institution, whether it is publicly or privately owned, the size of its endowments and budget, and whether the zookeepers belong to a union. Generally, the highest salaries tend to be in metropolitan areas and are relative to the applicant's education and responsibilities.

The zookeeper's salary can range from slightly above minimum wage to more than $30,000 a year, depending on the keeper's background, grade, and tenure and the zoo's location. Certain areas of the country pay higher wages, reflecting the higher cost of living there. City-run institutions, where keepers are lumped into a job category with less-skilled workers, pay less. On average, aquarists earn slightly more than zookeepers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported annual average salaries for animal caretakers, a category that includes zookeepers, in May 2019 were $24,780. Salaries ranged from $18,630 to $38,630 or more.

Most zoos provide benefits packages that include medical insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and generous retirement benefits. Keepers at larger institutions may also have coverage for prescription drugs, dental and vision insurance, mental health plans, and 401(k) plans. Those who work on holidays may receive overtime pay or comp time. A few institutions offer awards, research grants, and unpaid sabbaticals. Private corporate zoos may offer better benefits, including profit sharing.