What are the main factors that influence a Zoo Keeper's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Zoo Keeper's salary?

A Zoo Keeper's salary grows with experience: starting around $37,710 for beginners, reaching about $38,582 at mid-level, and approach $38,784 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Zoo Keeper?

Zoo Keeper salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Zoo Keeper roles are District of Columbia $37,344, California $37,202, Massachusetts $36,706. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Zoo Keeper roles make?

Salaries for Zoo Keeper level roles vary by specialization: Zoo Veterinarian: $116,182; Zoo Director: $71,327; Curator, Zoo: $51,566; Zoo Educator: $45,408; Warehouse Keeper: $42,909.

Zoo Keeper Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Zoo Keeper make in District of Columbia?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Zoo Keeper in District of Columbia is $37,344 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Zoo Keeper's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,185
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,708 to $39,878
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,309

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Zoo Keeper Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$39,878	$3,323	$767	$19
Average	$37,344	$3,112	$718	$18
25th Percentile	$34,708	$2,892	$667	$17

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Key Factors That Influence Zoo Keeper Salaries

A Zoo Keeper's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Zoo Keeper Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Zoo Keeper's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $37,710
Early Career (1-2 years): $37,974
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $38,582
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $38,703
Expert (over 8 years): $38,784

Levels	Salary
Entry Level Zoo Keeper	$37,710
Intermediate Level Zoo Keeper	$37,974
Senior Level Zoo Keeper	$38,582
Specialist Level Zoo Keeper	$38,703
Expert Level Zoo Keeper	$38,784

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What Am I Worth?

How Do Zoo Keeper Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Zoo Keepers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $37,344.
California: $37,202.
Massachusetts: $36,706.

District of Columbia $37,344 California $37,202 Massachusetts $36,706 Washington $36,571 New Jersey $36,558 Alaska $36,511 Connecticut $36,045 New York $35,856

Hawaii $35,253 Rhode Island $34,969 Maryland $34,777 Minnesota $34,514 Colorado $34,413 Illinois $34,379 Oregon $34,251 Delaware $34,157

New Hampshire $34,097 Virginia $33,964 Pennsylvania $33,576 Nevada $33,381 North Dakota $33,317 Michigan $33,216 Wisconsin $33,178 Vermont $33,104

Texas $32,898 Maine $32,885 Arizona $32,865 Ohio $32,841 Georgia $32,531 Indiana $32,376 Wyoming $32,345 Utah $32,298

Iowa $32,278 Kansas $32,116 Louisiana $32,069 North Carolina $32,052 Missouri $32,045 Florida $31,914 Montana $31,843 Nebraska $31,775

Kentucky $31,738 South Carolina $31,603 Tennessee $31,519 Idaho $31,485 New Mexico $31,239 Oklahoma $31,185 Alabama $30,986 South Dakota $30,652

Arkansas $30,470 West Virginia $30,372 Mississippi $30,079

Top Paying Cities for Zoo Keepers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $37,141
Washington: $37,141
Naval Anacost Annex: $37,140

Parcel Return Service, DC $37,141 Washington, DC $37,141 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $37,140 Washington Navy Yard, DC $37,141

Zoo Keeper Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Zoo Keeper's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on May 01, 2026

$34,708

Average $37,344/year

$39,878

$2,892

Average $3,112/month

$3,323

$667

Average $718/week

$767

$17

Average $18/hour

$19

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$39,878	$3,323	$767	$19
Average	$37,344	$3,112	$718	$18
25th Percentile	$34,708	$2,892	$667	$17

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