Animal care and service workers

๐Ÿค Save Career

Animal care and service workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 439K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $33,860, with projected growth of 11% through 2034 (Much faster than average).

$33,860
Median Salary
11%
Growth Rate
20%
AI Risk
No Degree Required
Education

๐Ÿ’ฐ Salary Range

$20,316$33,860 median$54,176

๐Ÿ“ˆ Growth Outlook

๐Ÿ”ฅ High Growth โ€” 11% projected growth

๐Ÿค– AI Automation Risk

Very Low

This career is highly resistant to AI automation.

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AI Impact Deep Dive: Animal care and service workers

๐Ÿ”ฌ AI Impact Deep Dive: Animal care and service workers

AI Collaboration Score

4% โ€” Low

Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)

๐Ÿ”ฎ Future Outlook

The core duties of this occupation are physical and require real-time presence, such as feeding, grooming, cleaning, and physically training animals. AI may assist with peripheral administrative tasks like scheduling or monitoring animal health data, but it cannot replace the manual labor or the empathetic human-animal interaction required for the job.

Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.

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A Day in the Life

As a animal care and service worker, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
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Career Outlook & Getting Started

Why It's Promising

With 11% projected growth and a median salary of $33,860, this career offers strong prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent.

How to Get Started

Entry typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.

Who Is It For

Anyone interested in animal care and service workers who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.

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Majors & Top Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal care and service workers make in 2026?โ–ผ

The median salary for a Animal care and service workers is $33,860 per year. Entry-level positions start around $20,316, while experienced professionals can earn up to $54,176 depending on location, specialization, and industry.

How do I become a Animal care and service workers?โ–ผ

Entry typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is no degree required.

What degree do you need to be a Animal care and service workers?โ–ผ

Most Animal care and service workers positions require no degree required. However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.

What AP courses should I take to become a Animal care and service workers?โ–ผ

Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Animal care and service workers. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.

What does a Animal care and service workers do on a daily basis?โ–ผ

As a animal care and service worker, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.

Is Animal care and service workers a good career in 2026?โ–ผ

With 11% projected growth and a median salary of $33,860, this career offers strong prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent. Job growth is projected at 11%, which is declining. The median salary of $33,860 also positions it competitively in the job market.

Will AI replace Animal care and service workerss?โ–ผ

Animal care and service workers has an AI automation risk score of 20/100 (Very Low). This career is highly resistant to AI automation due to its need for human judgment, creativity, or physical presence.

What kind of person makes a good Animal care and service workers?โ–ผ

Anyone interested in animal care and service workers who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.

Is Animal care and service workers Right for You?

Take our career quiz to see how Animal care and service workers matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.

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