🦁 How much does a zookeeper make?

• Base wages: U.S. animal-caretaker wages include people who work in zoos, as well as other animal-care settings. Source
• Benefits and paid leave: Some zoo employers also offer paid time off, health coverage, and a retirement plan. Source

In the United States, one common route is to finish high school and study zoology, biology, or a related subject in college. Build hands-on experience by volunteering or interning at a zoo or aquarium, then apply for keeper openings that match each zoo's requirements.

1. Finish high school.
2. Study zoology, biology, or a related subject in college.
3. Volunteer or intern at a zoo, aquarium, or similar place.
4. Check each zoo's requirements and apply for keeper jobs.

Qualifications and exams

The sources do not identify a nationwide zookeeper exam or license. Requirements vary by zoo; one Phoenix Zoo listing requires a high-school diploma, animal-care experience, and a driver's license.

A keeper starts by checking each animal, preparing food, and cleaning its indoor or outdoor space. Later, they may add toys or hidden treats, watch how animals respond, answer visitors' questions, and write health notes.

Does a higher keeper level pay more?

A Phoenix Zoo listing gives starting rates of $23.70 an hour for Keeper I, $24.89 for Keeper II, and $27.44 for Senior Keeper. Source

Can experience change an elephant keeper's starting rate?

Yes. The Cincinnati Zoo listing sets the elephant keeper starting rate at $23.83–$28.24 per hour, based on years of field experience. Source

What benefits can come with a zookeeper's pay?

Yes. This Cincinnati Zoo role offers paid leave, health coverage, and a retirement plan with employer matching; it lists 200 paid-time-off hours in the first year. Source

Do zookeepers work on weekends?

Some do: the Cincinnati Zoo elephant-keeper position requires weekend work and lists a four-day schedule of 10 hours a day. Source

This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.