As an animal keeper, you look after the welfare of animals in zoos, animal shelters or other facilities. Their tasks include the daily feeding, care and monitoring of the animals as well as cleaning their enclosures. Animal keepers observe the animals' behavior to ensure their health and work with veterinarians if necessary.
Salary as an Animal Keeper in Germany The salary as an animal keeper in Germany varies depending on the year of apprenticeship, work experience, and region. During the apprenticeship, the monthly salary is approximately: - 940 € in the first year - 990 € in the second year - 1040 € in the final year After the apprenticeship, one can expect a starting salary of 1,920 € gross per month. With increasing work experience, the average monthly income can rise to 2,540 € gross. Through further training, earnings can even reach up to 3,320 €. Compared to other animal-related training professions, animal keepers earn relatively well. Veterinary medical technical assistants earn slightly more, but they often do not work directly with animals, instead mostly in laboratories. The average annual salary as an animal keeper in Germany is about 30,240 €. Salaries vary slightly in different cities across Germany. For example: - 31.600 € in Hannover - 31.700 € in Berlin - 35.300 € in Stuttgart and Munich The net salary after taxes and deductions is approximately 1.760 € per month.
In order to work as an animal keeper, you usually need to have completed training in animal care or a related course. This training usually lasts three years and includes both practical and theoretical content on different animal species, their care and their behavior.
Animal keepers have various career opportunities. After training, they can work in zoos, animal shelters, research facilities or in veterinary medicine. With additional training, they can specialize in certain animal species or move up to managerial positions.