How much does a Zoo keeper, zoo make

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

Zoo keeper, zoo

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

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

What does a zoo keeper do? – Tasks and work environment

A zoo keeper is responsible for caring for and providing daily supervision to animals of many different species, often focusing on both their well-being and safety. Common tasks include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures and habitats, administering medicines, and monitoring behaviors and health conditions. Contact with animals requires both care and knowledge of species needs, while often also having an educational role towards visitors. The work environment is varied and can involve outdoor work in different weather, physical exertion, and handling both small and large animals.

Salary development over time

The salary development for zoo keepers has shown some fluctuations in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,000 SEK, providing a stable baseline for the profession. In the following year, 2023, the average salary increased significantly to 27 800 SEK, corresponding to an approximate 11 percent increase. In 2024, the average salary decreased slightly to 26 300 SEK. This decline may reflect changes in employment types, budget restrictions among public employers, or an increased share of new hires with lower starting salaries. Generally, salary levels are influenced by education, experience, and the type of employer, with private sector employees and those with longer education often earning higher wages.

Zoo keeper salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 26 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 25,100 SEK/month (women), 25,400 SEK/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 28,000 SEK/month (women), 27,500 SEK/month (men)
  • Hourly wage: 158 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women 26 300 SEK, specific data on men is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a zoo keeper, a high school education in natural resources with a focus on animals is typically required, but many employers prefer candidates with postgraduate education or specialized courses in animal care. Practical experience and relevant internships are often crucial for employment, as the work involves a high degree of variation and responsibility. For some positions, education in animal handling, disease control, and safety may also be required.

  • High school education: Natural resources program, animal specialization (3 years)
  • Post-secondary education: YH training or university courses in animal care (1–3 years)
  • Internships: Workplace-based internships or trainee positions are often advantageous
  • Certifications: Animal handling, disease control, first aid
  • Prerequisites: Interest in animals, patience, and sense of responsibility

Zoo keepers often work with species conservation projects and educational activities for visitors, which means the profession combines practical animal work with pedagogy and societal engagement.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for zoo keepers include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches or staff housing at larger facilities. Some employers also offer opportunities for further education, mentorship in animal handling, and favorable pension conditions. Working hours can vary, and sometimes irregular hours with additional pay are involved.

Competition and challenges

The job market for zoo keepers is competitive, as interest in the profession exceeds the number of available positions. Many employers seek candidates with both formal education and practical experience, making it important to gain internships or relevant work experience early on. Physical workload and working in varying weather conditions can be challenging, as can the need for flexibility regarding working hours. Zoo keepers also need good knowledge of animal behavior and welfare, and the ability to handle unexpected situations safely.

Tips for aspiring zoo keepers

To succeed as a zoo keeper, it is important to have a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine interest in animals, as care and attentiveness are crucial in daily work. Engagement in animal welfare combined with patience makes it easier to handle challenging situations and work long-term with animal development. Being flexible and adaptable is also valuable, as tasks can vary greatly from day to day. Practical experience, such as through internships or summer jobs, provides important insights and increases employment chances. Communication skills are highly beneficial, as many zoo keepers also interact with visitors and contribute to educational activities. Continuously furthering education and staying updated on new research in animal care enhances both the professional role and job opportunities.

Key facts about zoo keepers

  • Education level: High school or postgraduate education in animal care
  • Work environment: Varied, often outdoor and physically demanding
  • Employment forms: Full-time, part-time, and hourly employment are common
  • Demand: 360 job openings in the profession according to latest statistics
  • Special skills: Animal handling, disease control, pedagogy

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a zoo keeper can advance to roles such as supervisor, responsible for specific animal species, or education coordinator within the zoo. Some choose to further their education as zoologists, biologists, or veterinary assistants to broaden career opportunities. The prognosis from the Employment Service indicates continued stable demand for zoo keepers, especially those with specialized skills in conservation and education. The number of job openings in the profession is relatively high, but competition remains significant. Employers value both experience and formal education, so ongoing skills development is important.

Frequently asked questions about zoo keepers

  • What does a zoo keeper earn?
    - The average salary is 26 300 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and education level.
  • What education is required to become a zoo keeper?
    - Usually, a high school education in natural resources, but postgraduate studies and internships are advantageous.
  • What is the work environment like for zoo keepers?
    - The work environment is often physically demanding, varied, and involves both indoor and outdoor work.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn an average of 26 300 SEK, while specific data on men is limited; highest salary for women is 28,000 SEK and for men 27,500 SEK.
  • What career opportunities are available?
    - After a few years, one can advance to supervisor, education coordinator, or specialize in species conservation.
  • How competitive are the jobs?
    - Interest in the profession is high, making competition for positions relatively intense.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes further education are common benefits.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 20:15:12

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Zoo keeper, zoo 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 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 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