Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Animal Control Workers
SOC: 33-9011 O*NET: 33-9011.00
Median Salary
$45,830
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.9%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
What does a Animal Control Workers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$32,880
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,160
25th percentile
Median
$45,830
50th percentile
Experienced
$57,110
75th percentile
Top Earners
$69,990
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$32,880
25th
$38,160
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$45,830
Mean: $49,240
75th
$57,110
90th
$69,990
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $37,110 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,160 and $57,110
- •Salary spread is 41.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 11,790 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:12,200
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)7%
Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations4.1%
Social Advocacy Organizations4.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.9%
Annual Openings:1,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)12,200
Current
2034 (Projected)12,700
+3.9%
+500
Employment Change
+3.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Animal Control Workers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 45 locations
Texas
1,380 jobs$43,4101.31x
California
1,280 jobs$62,7600.93x
New York
930 jobs$49,2101.27x
Florida
480 jobs$45,4000.64x
North Carolina
450 jobs$42,8001.21x
Georgia
450 jobs$39,3301.21x
Illinois
370 jobs$44,6300.79x
Oklahoma
370 jobs$36,1102.88x
Virginia
360 jobs$48,8501.16x
Missouri
320 jobs$45,2801.44x
Massachusetts
310 jobs$60,1201.12x
Indiana
290 jobs$46,2801.19x
Ohio
290 jobs$44,9500.68x
Tennessee
280 jobs$43,0201.13x
Alabama
270 jobs$36,9901.71x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Public Safety and Security
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
Law and Government
94%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
English Language
86%
#8
Critical Thinking
86%
#9
Oral Comprehension
82%
#10
Writing
80%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Public Safety and Security
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Law and Government
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Public Safety and Security
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Law and Government
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Physical Therapists100%
5 shared skills
Correspondence Clerks90%
5 shared skills
File Clerks90%
5 shared skills
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage90%
5 shared skills
Registered Nurses82%
5 shared skills
Physician Assistants82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Law and Government
Learn on the Job:
- →Service Orientation
- →Education and Training
- →Communications and Media
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Law and Government
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Public Safety and Security
- ★Law and Government
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Animal Control Workers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visio
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (13)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Training & Development (1)
1
Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Animal Control Workers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Animal Control Workers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Animal Control Workers
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.77
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.77
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.62
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.46
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.31
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.31
Complete Work Styles Profile
Self-Control
4.8
Stress Tolerance
4.8
Integrity
4.6
Dependability
4.5
Cooperation
4.3
Attention to Detail
4.3
Independence
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Concern for Others
4.2
Initiative
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Animal Control Workers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Animal Control Workers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
994 program completions/year
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
954 program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
791 program completions/year
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA
660 program completions/year
Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD
516 program completions/year
Moreno Valley College
Moreno Valley, CA
488 program completions/year
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL
482 program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
477 program completions/year
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ
441 program completions/year
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA
388 program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
366 program completions/year
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino, CA
363 program completions/year