🐾 60+ Animal Careers That Let You Follow Your Passion (With Salaries)
Do you dream of working with animals every day? Whether you’re drawn to cuddly pets, exotic wildlife, or the science behind animal health and behavior, there’s a career path tailored just for you. From veterinary specialties and marine biology to dog training and wildlife rescue, you can turn your love for animals into a rewarding profession—financially, emotionally, and intellectually.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to 60+ animal-related careers, including potential salaries and what to expect from each role.
🏥 High-Paying Veterinary & Medical Careers
If you love animals and science, the veterinary field offers some of the most lucrative and impactful careers:
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Veterinary Radiologist – $287,000+/year
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Emergency Veterinarian – $200,000–$287,000/year
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Veterinary Surgeon – $180,000–$250,000/year
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Veterinary Oncologist – $160,000–$220,000/year
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Veterinary Pathologist – $140,000–$200,000/year
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General Practice Veterinarian – $95,000–$140,000/year
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Veterinary Anesthesiologist – $150,000–$200,000/year
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Veterinary Cardiologist – $140,000–$180,000/year
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Veterinary Dermatologist – $130,000–$170,000/year
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Veterinary Technologist – $45,000–$65,000/year
🧠 Note: These positions often require years of education, board certification, and clinical experience—but they can be deeply fulfilling.
🔬 Research & Science Careers
Curious about animal behavior, conservation, or biology? These roles let you contribute to the science of the animal kingdom:
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Zoologist – $72,860/year (median)
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Wildlife Biologist – $41,720–$106,320/year
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Animal Scientist – $67,407/year (average)
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Marine Biologist – $50,000–$85,000/year
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Conservation Biologist – $55,000–$75,000/year
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Animal Behaviorist – $60,000–$90,000/year
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Geneticist (Animal) – $85,000–$120,000/year
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Research Scientist (Animal Studies) – $70,000–$100,000/year
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Laboratory Animal Technician – $35,000–$50,000/year
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Biomedical Researcher – $75,000–$110,000/year
🧪 Most of these careers require advanced degrees and lab experience.
🦁 Zoo & Aquarium Careers
Love animals and want to work in zoos or aquariums? These jobs combine education, conservation, and hands-on animal care:
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Zoo Director – $80,000–$150,000/year
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Curator – $55,000–$85,000/year
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Zookeeper – $30,000–$45,000/year
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Aquarist – $35,000–$55,000/year
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Zoo Veterinarian – $90,000–$130,000/year
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Animal Trainer (Zoo) – $40,000–$60,000/year
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Conservation Educator – $35,000–$50,000/year
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Zoo Nutritionist – $50,000–$70,000/year
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Animal Care Coordinator – $40,000–$55,000/year
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Exhibit Designer – $45,000–$65,000/year
🎨 Exhibit designers mix creativity and science to create engaging animal habitats.
🌿 Wildlife & Conservation Careers
Help protect ecosystems and species through hands-on or policy-driven conservation roles:
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Wildlife Rehabilitator – $30,000–$45,000/year
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Park Ranger – $40,000–$60,000/year
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Fish & Game Warden – $50,000–$70,000/year
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Wildlife Inspector – $45,000–$65,000/year
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Environmental Consultant – $55,000–$85,000/year
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Forestry Technician – $35,000–$50,000/year
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Conservation Officer – $45,000–$65,000/year
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Wildlife Photographer – $30,000–$80,000/year (varies widely)
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Ecologist – $60,000–$85,000/year
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Habitat Restoration Specialist – $45,000–$65,000/year
🌍 Many of these roles exist in government or nonprofit settings.
🐶 Pet Care & Service Industry
Prefer staying close to domestic animals? These careers are perfect for pet lovers, and many allow for self-employment:
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Pet Groomer – $25,000–$40,000/year
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Dog Trainer – $30,000–$50,000/year
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Pet Sitter – $39,246/year (average)
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Dog Walker – $25,000–$35,000/year
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Pet Store Manager – $35,000–$50,000/year
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Animal Control Officer – $35,000–$50,000/year
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Kennel Manager – $30,000–$45,000/year
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Pet Daycare Owner – $40,000–$70,000/year
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Animal Massage Therapist – $35,000–$55,000/year
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Pet Food Nutritionist – $50,000–$75,000/year
🐾 These jobs often provide flexibility and deep connections with pets and their people.
🌟 Specialized & Emerging Careers
Want to work with animals in unique, high-impact ways? These innovative and growing fields may interest you:
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Animal-Assisted Therapist – $45,000–$65,000/year
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Equine Therapist – $40,000–$60,000/year
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Animal Chiropractor – $60,000–$100,000/year
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Pet Insurance Adjuster – $40,000–$60,000/year
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Animal Lawyer – $80,000–$150,000/year
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Veterinary Practice Manager – $45,000–$70,000/year
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Animal Welfare Inspector – $35,000–$50,000/year
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Pet Product Developer – $50,000–$80,000/year
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Animal Nutritionist – $60,000–$85,000/year
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Wildlife Crime Investigator – $55,000–$75,000/year
🧭 These roles often blend law, medicine, product development, and behavioral science.
📝 Final Notes for Aspiring Animal Pros
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📍 Salaries vary by location, experience, and employer.
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🎓 Veterinary and scientific roles require significant education.
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🌱 Wildlife and conservation jobs often align with nonprofits and public service.
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🐕 Pet service jobs can be flexible but may start with lower wages.
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🎓 Research-based roles usually demand advanced academic credentials.
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📸 Creative fields like wildlife photography have variable and often unpredictable income.
Whether you’re hands-on in surgery or gently helping a dog learn to sit, every one of these careers allows you to turn your compassion for animals into a professional life filled with meaning. Ready to follow your heart and your paw prints?
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