How Much Does A Zookeeper Make?
For animal fanatics, being a zookeeper is the best job there is. This career gives people the opportunity to work with animals naturally found thousands of miles away or those animals we only see on television. Zookeepers are entrusted with a wide variety of obligations, from assessing animals at close distances to conducting lectures for educational purposes.
Do you wonder if the compensation of zookeepers is worth all the efforts they put into their daily routine? Are you interested to know if they are privileged enough to enjoy benefits from their employers?
How much does a zookeeper make?
- In order to be hired, applicants must have prior experience in the field of animal handling. Internships at zoos or clinics are on a voluntary basis, which means that trainees won’t receive any salary. The main goal is to acquire necessary experience for job applications later on.
- There is strong competition for available jobs. It is advisable to apply as soon as requirements and qualifications are met.
- The length of experience gained is one determinant of daily wages of zookeepers. Data gathered reveal that zookeepers with 1 to 4 years of experience are paid between $8.84 and $11.75 per hour of service. Those handlers with 5 to 9 years of experience enjoy an hourly rate anywhere between $10.96 and $15.55.
- As of 2008, data of the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the average income of a zookeeper per year was at $21,550. Some organizations suggest that as of the present, the actual average income per year for zookeepers may reach $33,000.
- Specializations can also increase the pay of zookeepers. One must take courses in the field of his interest such as marine biology and anthropology.
- It is the employer’s discretion whether benefits would be offered to their employees. Hazard pay and health insurance are some examples of useful incentives for zookeepers.
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