Animal-loving students might want to make their passion a career but are worried they will not be paid well. However, you need not feel overwhelmed. With the right education, experience, or volunteer work, you could live very well if you decide to enter one of these animal-centric jobs.
Kennel Manager
Sometimes people cannot temporarily care for their pets and need to give them a safe and enriching place to stay. This is where a kennel manager comes in. The manager’s responsibilities include daily tasks such as overseeing the boarding place’s staff, monitoring supply inventory, and occasionally giving animals medication and/or cleaning enclosures.
Qualifications for this include working with dogs and cats, so it is wise to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Although not required, “a postsecondary degree in animal science” is sometimes preferred. The maximum annual salary is $41,000.
Zookeeper
Zookeepers are responsible for animal health and enrichment. Your daily duties include cleaning, meal preparation, and assisting with checkups. The Denver Zoo’s website notes potential keepers need a degree in Natural Sciences and to volunteer at smaller zoos first.
Annual incomes vary by state, but the highest-paying zoos as of 2024 are in Wisconsin. Zookeepers who live there can earn an average of $44,346.
Apiary
The more common name for this job is beekeeper. Your main tasks are caring for honeybee colonies and collecting pollen, beeswax, and honey. Apiaries then sell these products to distributors.
However, keep in mind that you will get stung and must keep pests away. A high school diploma is the minimum educational level required and students should focus on science courses such as Biology and Horticulture. The average apiary earns $50,508 in America according to ZipRecruiter.
Dog Trainer
Dogs need consistency in their lives just like small children, and some of the things they need are obedience and basic trick training. Trainers plan lessons just like human teachers do, use positive behavioral training from puppyhood, and update or work with owners. Dog trainers need a degree in veterinary science or animal behavior and can either be freelancers or employees. You can make up to $52,499 per year.
Animal Behaviorist
Animal behaviorists study why creatures act in certain ways. One unique thing about this career is that you are not limited to observing cats and dogs. Animal behaviorists can learn about frogs, snakes, fish, or gorillas. The possibilities are endless!
Your main duty is to research animals in their natural environment and the minimum educational level is “a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Ecology, or Biology, etc.” A behaviorist’s annual salary varies, but the maximum amount is currently $60,000.
Cattle Rancher
Cattle ranchers raise these animals and sell them for their meat. Some people wrongly believe that a cattle rancher and a cowboy or cowhand are one and the same. Ranchers are business people who own and operate a cattle ranch while cowboys and cowhands are their staff.
These entrepreneurs need to ensure they have healthy livestock, contact veterinarians, keep various records, and keep their property neat and functional among other obligations. You need vocational training to be one instead of a college degree and can make an average annual salary of $100, 977.
Veterinary Radiologist
This special field pays up to $287,000 per year. Veterinary radiologists take photos of injured animals to diagnose and decide what kind of treatment should take place. Yet this is not a one-size-fits-all all job.
Some use ultrasounds for animals who have tumors or are pregnant. Some only treat broken bones or cancer. However, every veterinary radiologist must know how to talk to people about their pet’s problems in simple terms and sometimes deliver bad news. After earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree you must take the ACVR exam to be specifically certified.
A good education, experience, and tenacity are required when performing these jobs. Whether you get a degree, build your entrepreneurial skills, or donate time, you can prepare for a profitable animal career.
Read more articles on careers and personal development on our Zealousness blog Career & exploration – iN Education Inc. (ineducationonline.org).
Sources:
- “The 25 Highest Paying Animal Jobs in 2024.” Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/g/Highest-Paying-Animal-Jobs.
- “Apiary/Beekeeper.” AG AND FOOD CAREERS IN PA. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.agandfoodcareersinpa.com/apiarybeekeeper.html.
- “Careers in Zookeeping- Denver Zoo.” Denver Zoo, Accessed July 30, 2024. November 8, 2019. https://denverzoo.org/careers-in-zookeeping/.
- “Cattle Rancher Salary- July 2024 .” Comparably. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.comparably.com/salaries/salaries-for-cattle-rancher.
- “Q: How to Become a Veterinary Radiologist?” Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/How-to-Become-a-Veterinary-Radiologist.
- “Q: How to Become an Animal Behaviorist?” Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/How-to-Become-an-Animal-Behaviorist.
- “Salary: Beekeeping (July, 2024) United States.” Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Beekeeping-Salary.
- “Salary: Zookeeper in United States 2024 | Glassdoor.” Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/zookeeper-salary-SRCH_KO0,9.htm.
- “Working as a Rancher: What They Do, Key Skills and Tips To Succeed | Indeed.com.” Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/rancher-job.
