Jobs that pay well working with animals

10 Jobs Working With Animals (That Pay Well)

Do you love animals? 

Do you want to make a living by working with them?

A career that involves working with animals can be rewarding. It can also be lucrative.

10 Jobs That Pay Well – Working With Animals


In this article, we will look at 10 jobs that pay well – working with animals.

#1 – Veterinarian


Veterinarians care for the health of animals.

This may include administering shots, vaccinations, checkups, animal behavioral counseling, and more.

A veterinarian may work in private practice, or a company might employ them.

Veterinarians are often paid well because they do such an important job that requires long hours and extensive education.

Veterinarians typically need at least eight years of study beyond high school before entering into the workforce.

Average Salary

The average salary for a veterinarian is $95,000.

Education Requirements

It usually takes at least eight years of education to become licensed.

#2 – Zoologist


A Zoologist is a scientist who studies mammals.

Their jobs include making observations, collecting and studying animal populations.

A zoologist might also be tasked with writing scientific papers, designing exhibits at zoos, and more.

Zoologists need to do fieldwork that may involve getting dirty and spending time outdoors in the sun. They should enjoy working with animals because they will likely spend a lot of their day doing so.

Average Salary

The average salary of a zoologist is $75,000.

Education Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Zoology or other related fields.

#3 – Marine Biologist


Jobs working with animals that pay well

Marine biologists study the ecology of oceans and seas.

They observe marine life such as corals, fish, dolphins, whales, and more.

A marine biologist might collect data about water quality or pollution levels to better the environment.

Marine biologists might work in research or with a conservation organization.

Average Salary

The average salary of a marine biologist is $52,000.

Education Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in biology or another related field.

#4 – Animal Photographer


An animal photographer takes pictures of animals.

This might include posing them in a natural setting or taking photos while playing and doing something funny.

Animal photographers might work in a pet store, with an animal shelter, at a zoo, or as a freelancer.

An understanding and love for animals is helpful. As an animal photographer, you may need to travel to get the best shots from different locations.

Animal photographers need a lot of patience. They must be able to work with pets that might not want their pictures taken.

Average Salary

The average salary of an animal photographer is $43,000.

Education Requirements

No education is needed if you work for yourself. However, a Bachelor of Arts in a specialized field, such as animal behavior, might help with job placement.

#5 – Pet Detective


A pet detective is a professional who solves crimes that involve animals.

A pet detective will usually investigate cases where there is animal cruelty or abuse. For example, if someone killed an animal and the case goes to court, a pet detective would likely be involved.

A pet detective may also focus on cases of missing animals or pets.

They may even concentrate their efforts on particular types of animals or jobs, like farm livestock theft.

Average Salary

The average salary of a pet detective is $30,000.

Education Requirements

It may require at least an associate’s degree.

Also Read: 10 Best Jobs For People Pleasers

#6 – Animal Trainer


Jobs working with animals that pay well

An animal trainer is someone who teaches animals certain behaviors.

If you have ever seen a dog do tricks at the park or a handler walk a wild cat like a domesticated pet, then you have likely come across an animal trainer.

Animal trainers gain employment through many different avenues such as zoos, parks, wildlife facilities, and private clients.

Animal trainers are tasked with working with complex animals that require more time and effort to train because of their contrary nature.

Average Salary

The average salary of an animal trainer is $30,000.

Education Requirements

Some jobs require a degree in biology or psychology.

#7 – Veterinary Assistant


Veterinary assistants are typically the first person to greet a pet when they visit a veterinarian’s office.

A veterinary assistant will take care of things like checking patients in, preparing operating rooms for surgery, and ensuring that equipment is ready before an operation begins.

This may also extend to jobs with animal shelters or zoos, including feeding animals and cleaning cages.

Average Salary

The average salary of a veterinary assistant is $30,000.

Education Requirements

Some jobs do not require more than a high school diploma. Still, other jobs call for post-secondary schooling at least up to associate degree level. A Bachelor’s Degree could help if you want this career long-term. It usually leads to promotions within the company.

#8 – Dog Walker


A dog walker is a professional who walks and plays with dogs for a living.

Dog walkers often work for dog-related companies such as pet stores, kennels, or resorts with many dogs on the property.

They may also do private jobs to visit clients’ homes to walk and play with their dogs.

Dog Walkers can make six figures annually if they work hard enough to find jobs.

Average Salary

The average salary of a dog walker is $30,000+.

Education Requirements

A high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some jobs require a Dog Walking Certification. No formal education is needed to be a dog walker. Still, some employers may require at least one year of experience walking dogs or working closely with them.

#9 – Groomer


Jobs working with animals that pay well

A groomer is an individual who specializes in removing and disposing of hair from animals.

A groomer can do either work for a grooming salon or open up their own small business as an independent operator.

They may specialize in a particular type of animal, whether dog grooming, cat grooming, or horse grooming.

A groomer will need to use various tools like clippers and scissors. They also have to work closely with the animals to not get too stressed out during the grooming process.

Groomers can make six figures annually if they find enough customers through word-of-mouth promotion.

Average Salary

The average salary of a groomer is $30,000+.

Education Requirements

A high school diploma or GED equivalent. Groomers usually do not need formal education, but some schools around the country offer courses for groomers.

#10 – Pet Sitter


Pet-sitting jobs are a great way to spend more time with animals.

A pet sitter is someone who comes to your home and takes care of your pets while you’re at work, on vacation, or just busy.

Petsitters take care of dogs, cats, lizards, or even bunnies in cages. They feed them breakfast/lunch/dinner according to the schedule agreed.

Some jobs include walking dogs and playing around with them for physical activity. This physical activity keeps them from getting too hyperactive.

Average Salary

The average salary of a pet sitter is $25,000.

Education Requirements

A high school diploma or GED.

Andrew
Follow Me
Latest posts by Andrew (see all)

Similar Posts