Jobs about animals

If animals are your passion — the field that motivates you to get up and do something — you can absolutely strike this balance. According to 2015 U.S. Census statistics, the average employment dealing with animals pays about $55,775. Aside from a veterinary profession, there are a range of animal-related vocations that pay well. These occupations pay close to or even more than the national average.

Here are some animal-related careers that might pay the bills:

1. Grooming

The average wage is $21,260.

Range of pay: $17,160 to $34,780

Minimum requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent.

Groomers make dogs look their best by washing and clipping their fur. Those with the highest salaries earn more than $34,000 each year. Groomers in Hawaii, California, and Rhode Island often earn the most.

To become one, follow these steps: Animal carers must have a high school diploma or equivalent. The majority of training takes performed on the job, however some prefer to attend a grooming school. Employers often favor applicants who have worked with animals in the past. If you wish to work at a zoo, you will most likely need a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related discipline.

2. Dog walker, pet sitter, and kennel attendant

The average wage is $21,260.

Range of pay: $17,160 to $34,780

Minimum requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent.

Kennel attendants, pet sitters, and dog walkers look after dogs when their owners are away or unavailable. The highest-paid employees often make up to $34,780 per year. Workers in places such as Hawaii, California, and Rhode Island often earn the most.

To become one, follow these steps: Most kennel attendants, pet sitters, and dog walkers are required to have a high school graduation. They pick up new talents on the job. Most businesses prefer people with prior experience caring for dogs. Those who work in kennels or shelters may further their careers by attending programs offered by the Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association. Pet sitters may further their education by joining the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. The group provides classes on topics such as caring for parrots and dogs, as well as dealing with pet behavioral disorders.

3. Veterinary technician

The average pay is $24,360.

Range of pay: $18,060 to $36,690

Minimum requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent.

Veterinary assistants assist veterinarians in the care of animals at clinics or animal hospitals. They are in charge of assisting vets with everyday chores. The highest-paid veterinary assistants make $36,690 per year. Workers in states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine earn the most.

How to Become One: To work as a veterinary assistant, you must have a high school graduation. It also helps to have an affinity towards animals. The majority of veterinary assistants learn on the job. Although certification is not needed, it may help you develop in your career.

4. keeper of laboratory animals

The average pay is $24,360.

Range of pay: $18,060 to $36,690

Minimum requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent.

Laboratory animal caregivers operate in laboratories with animal scientists, biologists, and veterinarians. They feed, care after, and monitor the health of laboratory animals. The highest-paid laboratory animal caregivers may make up to $36,690 per year. Workers in states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine earn the highest.

How to Become One: Laboratory animal caregivers must have a high school diploma or equivalent. The majority of laboratory animal caregivers learn their craft on the job. Although certification is not essential to work as a laboratory animal carer, several companies prefer it. A certification may also help you get promoted or develop in your career.

5. Educator

The average wage is $26,610.

Range of pay: $18,160 to $57,170

There are no formal educational prerequisites.

Animal trainers are in charge of teaching animals to perform activities such as riding, performance, obedience, and aiding the handicapped. They also assist animals in becoming more used to human contact. The highest-paid animal trainers may make up to $57,170 per year. Workers in places like Minnesota, New York, and California may earn the maximum money.

To become one, follow these steps: To become an animal trainer, no formal schooling is required. Those who work in the animal-training industry are often trained on the job. Animal trainers may also get instruction from groups like the Humane Society of the United States.

6. Veterinary assistants

The average wage is $31,800.

Range of pay: $21,890 to $47,410

Minimum requirements: an associate degree

Medical testing is performed by veterinary technicians under the direction of a registered veterinarian. They aid in the diagnosis of an animal's injury or disease. A veterinary technician in the 90th percentile earns more than $47,000 a year. Workers in Alaska, Massachusetts, and New York make the greatest money.

To become a veterinary technician, students must first finish a college-level curriculum with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Candidates must choose between a two- and four-year program. Depending on the state where they work, technicians must pass an exam and become registered, licensed, or certified.

7. An animal control officer

The average wage is $33,450.

The salary range is $20,830 to $53,190.

Minimum qualifications: vary depending on region

Animal control officers assist in ensuring adequate animal care, investigating allegations of cruelty, and locating abandoned animals. Those at the top of the pay scale might earn more than $53,000 per year. Animal control officers in places like Nevada, California, and Washington make the maximum money.

To become one, follow these steps: A high school diploma or the equivalent is necessary for animal control personnel. Additional training is often provided on the job. Training programs are available via the National Animal Care & Control Association. Furthermore, several states demand animal control certification.

8. Conservation and forest specialists

The average wage is $35,430.

Range of pay: $25,430 to $54,860

Minimum requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent.

Conservation and forest workers watch species, collect data, put out forest fires, and seek to restore forest health. Top earners earn more than $54,000 each year. Workers in Massachusetts, New York, and Georgia make the greatest money.

To become one, follow these steps: To become a forest and conservation worker, you must have a valid driver's license and a high school graduation. Most employees get on-the-job training, such as how to properly plant or thin trees. They also learn how to operate and maintain forestry equipment in a safe manner. Some organizations prefer people with a bachelor's degree in forestry technology or a similar discipline. The Society of American Foresters should accredit programs. Furthermore, several jurisdictions require personnel to get training and, in some cases, a license in the proper application of commercial pesticides.

9. Breeder

The average wage is $39,380.

Range of pay: $20,430 to $75,210

Minimum requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent.

Breeders choose and breed animals based on their features and ancestry. Top earners earn more than $75,000 each year. Workers in Ohio, South Dakota, and Kentucky make the greatest money.

To become one, follow these steps: Animal breeders must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Furthermore, breeders learn their trade via on-the-job training. Zoo animal breeders must have a bachelor's degree in veterinary science and, depending on their professional ambitions, postgraduate education in zoology.

10. Biological technician

The average pay is $41,650.

Range of pay: $26,610 to $69,180

Bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement.

In the laboratory, biological technicians assist medical scientists. They are in charge of setting up, operating, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They also keep track of experiments. Top earners earn more than $69,000 each year. Workers in places like California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts earn the most.