How much does a Zoo keeper, zoo, circus make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Zoo keeper, zoo, circus
Image that illustrates Zoo keeper, zoo, circus

Zoo keeper, zoo, circus

26 300 kr

Other animal breeders and animal caretakers

25 100 - 28 000 kr / month

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Zoo keeper, zoo, circus

Average salary 26 300 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 26 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

What does an animal caretaker in a zoo and circus do? – Tasks and work environment

An animal caretaker in a zoo or circus works with caring for, feeding, and maintaining animals in captivity. Tasks include daily supervision, cleaning enclosures and pens, preparing feed, and observing animal health and behavior. Some tasks also involve training, enrichment, and occasionally basic veterinary care. The work environment is often outdoors and varies greatly depending on the season, weather, and animal species. Physical workload, irregular hours, and close contact with both animals and visitors characterize the profession.

Salary development over time

The salary for an animal caretaker in a zoo and circus has shown varied development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 27 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, however, the average salary has decreased to 26 300 SEK, which corresponds to a reduction of approximately 5.4 percent from the previous year. This variation may be due to changes in the job market, seasonal employment availability, and different education levels among employees. The profession is also influenced by budget conditions of employers, especially in the public and non-profit sectors, which sometimes leads to salary fluctuations between years.

Animal caretakers in zoos and circuses salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 26 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 25,100 SEK/month (woman, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 28,000 SEK/month (woman, post-secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 158 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women 26 300 SEK, specific data for men is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as an animal caretaker in a zoo or circus, a high school education with a focus on animal care is generally required, often supplemented with internships or experience from similar work. Many employers view post-secondary studies in animal care or ethology positively, and some positions may require specific certifications or courses depending on the animal species. Practical experience, responsibility, and good physical condition are important factors in recruitment.

  • High school education: Animal care program, 3 years
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational training or university courses in animal care, 1–3 years
  • Internship: Often mandatory during education
  • Certifications: For example, training in animal handling or occupational safety
  • Prerequisites: Often B driving license and good physical health

Many animal caretakers have the opportunity to work with rare species and develop unique expertise, especially in conservation projects. Contacts with researchers and participation in public education are also among the most appreciated aspects of the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Animal caretakers in zoos or circuses often have access to work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized staff meals. Other benefits may include opportunities for further training, internal skill development, and access to staff rooms or basic accommodation during seasonal employment. Compensation for unsocial hours and weekend work is included in some agreements.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an animal caretaker in zoos and circuses is generally high, especially at larger and well-known workplaces. The number of available jobs is limited relative to the number of qualified candidates, which means employers can set high requirements for experience and specialized knowledge. Seasonal variations, physically demanding tasks, and sometimes psychologically stressful situations, such as illness or euthanasia of animals, pose challenges in the profession. Flexibility and readiness to work evenings, weekends, and overtime are also required.

Tips for aspiring animal caretakers in zoos and circuses

To succeed as an animal caretaker in zoos and circuses, it is beneficial to be both resilient and flexible, as the work often involves early mornings and weekend shifts. A genuine interest in animals and patience are crucial, since contact with animals requires respect and gentleness. Practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work, provides valuable credentials and increases chances of employment. Initiative and responsibility help when unexpected situations arise, and good teamwork skills are important in work groups where communication about animal welfare is central. A continuous desire to develop and learn, especially in areas like animal health and behavior, is also a key factor for success in this profession.

Key facts about Animal Caretakers, zoos, circuses

  • Education level: High school or post-secondary with a focus on animal care
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, outdoor and indoor, seasonal variation
  • Typical employment: Full-time or seasonal employment
  • Demand: 360 available jobs within the profession (2024)
  • Special skills: Animal handling, ethology, and the ability to observe animal behavior

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an animal caretaker can develop into specialized roles, such as team leader, head caretaker, or animal educator. Opportunities also exist to work in conservation efforts, educational activities, or research related to animal behavior and health. According to employment forecasts, demand for animal caretakers remains stable, but competition for permanent positions stays high. Those who pursue further education and gain specialized skills, for example in exotic species or animal training, have good chances for career advancement within the field.

Frequently asked questions about Animal Caretakers, zoos, circuses

  • What does an animal caretaker in a zoo and circus earn?
    - The average salary is 26 300 SEK per month, with variation depending on education and experience.
  • What education is required to become an animal caretaker?
    - High school education with a focus on animal care, preferably supplemented with internships and/or post-secondary studies.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn an average of 26 300 SEK. Specific data for men is unavailable, but the highest salary for men is 27,500 SEK.
  • What is the job market like for animal caretakers?
    - There are 360 available jobs within the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high.
  • What tasks are included in the profession?
    - Caretaking, feeding, cleaning, observing animals, and sometimes basic veterinary procedures.
  • Can the profession be furthered through education?
    - Yes, further education in animal care, ethology, or specialization in certain species is common.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 28,000 SEK and the lowest is 25,100 SEK, depending on education and sector.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 19:18:52

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Zoo keeper, zoo, circus is 28000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 27500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Zoo keeper, zoo, circus is 25100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 25400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 23900 kr 25400 kr
25-34 26000 kr 26800 kr
Snitt 25400 kr 26300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Zoo keeper, zoo, circus has the SSYK code 6129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics