1. Veterinarian
Why Become a Veterinarian?
One of the most rewarding positions working with animals is becoming a veterinarian.
Outside of an undergraduate degree, you will need to move into graduate and medical training to complete most state requirements as a veterinarian.
This career is one that isn’t slowing down either.
You can expect almost a 20 percent increase for veterinarians across the country.
You can either own your own practice or work in a partnership office with other veterinarians.
The salary average surpasses $100,000 annually with room to grow.
| Veterinarian Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $109,920 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $52.84 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 18.8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Veterinarian
2. Veterinary Technician
Why Become a Veterinary Technician?
A veterinarian cannot be as successful without the helping hands of their veterinary technicians.
You can complete a certification program or get an Associate degree for this position, where you get a basic understanding of the animals you will see regularly in the office.
It will also continue to grow with a need of at least 20 percent over the next decade because of the growing amount of pets.
Those who have been in the career for a few years have an average salary of around $37,000 annually.
| Veterinary Technician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $38,250 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $18.39 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 20% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Veterinary Technician
3. Wildlife Biologist
Why Become a Wildlife Biologist?
If animals in the wild are more of your interest, then you may want to consider becoming a wildlife biologist.
This position allows you to study and interact with animals in their natural habitat where they can be free and live their most natural life.
This position requires at least a graduate degree in order to meet the skills and criteria needed for this position.
There is almost a 10 percent projected growth on this career in the next decade.
Those who want to pursue this career can expect an average salary of around $65,000+ annually.
| Wildlife Biologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $70,300 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.80 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Wildlife Biologist
4. Marine Biologist
Why Become a Marine Biologist?
The marine biologist position is similar to the wildlife biologist but is focused on marine life.
You will spend lots of time out in the water or in marsh areas gathering research and developing a thorough understanding of the habits of both large and small marine creatures.
You will need at least a Master’s level or even terminal degree for this position.
The outlook for it is not as high as others, with only a 5 percent growth.
You can expect an annual salary of around $90,000 or more depending on where you are working.
| Marine Biologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $90,010 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $43.27 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 5% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Marine Biologist
5. Zookeeper
Why Become a Zookeeper?
Being able to save species that are endangered and keep them in a controlled environment is essential for zookeepers.
The health and happiness of these animals are at the core of these job duties.
Most zookeepers only require a certification program in order to have a basic understanding of these animals.
There is also a high expectancy in this career to continue growing at approximately 15 percent over the next few decades.
Zookeepers around the country have an average salary of around $68,000 annually.
| Zookeeper Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $70,300 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.80 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 16% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Zookeeper
6. Zoologist
Why Become a Zoologist?
Being able to save species that are endangered and keep them in a controlled environment is essential for zookeepers.
The health and happiness of these animals are at the core of these job duties.
Most zookeepers only require a certification program in order to have a basic understanding of these animals.
There is also a high expectancy in this career to continue growing at approximately 15 percent over the next few decades.
Zookeepers around the country have an average salary of around $68,000 annually.
| Zoologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $70,300 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.80 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 5% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Zoologist
7. Animal Trainer
Why Become an Animal Trainer?
If you want to work with animals, but do not have a lot of education, becoming an animal trainer may be the right calling for you.
All you need is some background on being safe when working with pets that need to be taught skills and obedience.
There is a strong demand for animal trainers, with the country as a whole expecting a 13 percent growth over the next decade or two.
While many animal trainers have an average salary of around $37,000 annually, you have the ability to make more depending on your availability.
| Animal Trainer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $38,230 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $18.38 |
| Education | 1-2 Years |
| Outlook | 13% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Animal Trainer
8. Beekeeper
Why Become a Beekeeper?
There is one career that will require attention to detail and patience, and that is the beekeeper.
Being able to properly manage bees and their habitat can require either an apprenticeship under another beekeeper or a program where you get the experience and knowledge necessary.
Unless you have a lot of bees and disperse them around several farms, you may not see a lot of financial growth.
This position averages around $30,000 annually or more since most beekeepers are self-employed.
| Beekeeper Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $31,440 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $15.11 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 0% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Beekeeper
9. Fish and Game Warden
Why Become a Fish and Game Warden?
If you want to enforce the laws surrounding fish and wildlife, then consider becoming a game warden in your area.
This position often requires at least a two-year degree in wildlife studies and experience in law enforcement doesn’t hurt either.
There will continue to be a need for game wardens over the next few decades.
They have an average salary of $57,000 annually, but as you are promoted you can expect higher salaries.
| Fish and Game Warden Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $58,190 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $27.98 |
| Education | 2-4 Years |
| Outlook | 4.3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Fish and Game Warden
10. Conservationist
Why Become a Conservationist?
If you want to take your love for animals and be their voice, then you should consider becoming a conservationist.
In this position, you will educate and protect environments so that the wildlife and nature are able to stay in a harmonious state.
Conservationists have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
In some cases, a Master’s degree in conservation specialty may be required for certain projects.
There is a positive growth expectation for this career, and most average around $65,000 annually.
| Conservationist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $68,230 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $32.81 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6.3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Conservationist
