Animal Attendants and Trainers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Animal Attendants and Trainers train, feed, groom and care for animals.
Tasks
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teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addressing behavioural problems
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training animals to accept riders and pull vehicles
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training animals to perform in competitions
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bathing, cutting, combing, blow-drying and styling pets' coats, clipping their nails and cleaning their ears
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inspecting, preparing, cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining comfortable animal cages and enclosures
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transporting food, filling water troughs and feeding animals according to their individual needs
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maintaining animal health records, treating minor injuries and reporting serious conditions to Veterinarians
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exercising and playing with animals, answering visitor questions, and transferring animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them
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dusting and spraying insecticides on animals and immersing them in insecticide baths, to control insect pests
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
-
Administrative
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Medium
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow strongly
- is likely to reach 23,800 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 15,400 |
2012 | 15,800 |
2013 | 16,900 |
2014 | 12,700 |
2015 | 15,600 |
2016 | 19,000 |
2017 | 17,600 |
2018 | 17,700 |
2019 | 17,800 |
2020 | 20,100 |
2021 | 20,700 |
2026 | 23,800 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 51% of people employed as Animal Attendants and Trainers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 15 percentage points below the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 47 hours per week in their main job. This is 3 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Median full-time earnings are $1,287 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $959
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,401
Median hourly earnings are $34, this is lower than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Animal Attendants and Trainers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,287 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Animal Attendants and Trainers work in the Other services industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Animal Attendants and Trainers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 29.3 | 31.6 |
VIC | 25.8 | 25.6 |
QLD | 21.9 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.1 | 7.0 |
WA | 11.2 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.4 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.0 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.3 | 1.9 |
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Around 52% of Animal Attendants and Trainers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Animal Attendants and Trainers is 38 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 68% of the workforce. This is 20 percentage points above the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Animal Attendants and Trainers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 7.1 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 13.4 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 23.2 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 19.7 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 19.9 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 7.0 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 5.1 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 4.6 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 38 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as an Animal Attendant or Trainer. Although some workers have a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in companion animal services.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Animal Care and Management VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Animal Attendants and Trainers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 2.5 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 11.8 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 10.1 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 23.1 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 22.9 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 7.6 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 22.0 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Animal Attendants and Trainers who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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39%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
39%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
39%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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36%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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36%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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36%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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34%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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34%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
34%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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32%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
-
32%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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32%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
-
30%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
30%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
30%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
-
27%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
-
25%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
-
25%
NegotiationBringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.
-
25%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
-
20%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
52%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
38%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
35%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
34%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
33%
BiologyPlant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
-
28%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
26%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
25%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
24%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
-
21%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
20%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
20%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
-
20%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
18%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
17%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
-
17%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
-
16%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
14%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
13%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
7%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
-
48%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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46%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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45%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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43%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
41%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
-
39%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
-
39%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
-
37%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
37%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
37%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
-
37%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
-
36%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
36%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
36%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
-
36%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
34%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
-
32%
StaminaExercise for a long time without getting winded or out of breath.
-
30%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
-
30%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
29%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
67%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
51%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
50%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
50%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
49%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
49%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
48%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
48%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
46%
Helping and caring for othersProviding personal assistance, medical attention, or emotional support.
-
44%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
44%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
-
43%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
42%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
-
40%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
38%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
38%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
37%
Working with the publicGreeting or serving customers, clients or guests, and public speaking or performing.
-
37%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
-
36%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
-
31%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
95%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
76%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
48%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
-
43%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
33%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
Values
-
67%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
48%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
48%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
38%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
36%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
33%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
91%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
89%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
88%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
86%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
85%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
84%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
84%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
83%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
83%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
82%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
-
81%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
-
81%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
81%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
80%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
-
78%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
-
73%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
72%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
66%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
64%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
64%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 39-2021.00 - Nonfarm Animal Caretakers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.