Animal caretakers
SOC Code: 39-2021
Animal caretakers carries a 19% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $33,470 and +12.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 392,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 19% AI exposure, Animal caretakers sits 18 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 5% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Animal caretakers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Animal caretakers has ai exposure of 19%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Animal caretakers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Animal caretakers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Animal caretakers (SOC 39-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 19%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 392,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +12.1% change through 2034 - a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $33,470, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Animal caretakers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
- 2. Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
- 3. Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
- 4. Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
- 5. Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
- 6. Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
- 7. Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
- 8. Observe and caution children petting and feeding animals in designated areas to ensure the safety of humans and animals.
- 9. Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
- 10. Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Chemistry
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Animal caretakers?
Animal caretakers has an AI exposure score of 19%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Animal caretakers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Animal caretakers is projected to grow by 12.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 392,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Animal caretakers?
Key skills for Animal caretakers include Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Animal caretakers earn?
The median annual wage for Animal caretakers is $33,470, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Animal caretakers?
The typical entry-level education for Animal caretakers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Animal caretakers?
Animal caretakers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).