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Wild Animal Handler Salary in San Diego, CA

How Much Does a Wild Animal Handler make?

Wild Animal Handler made a median salary around $45,244 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $50,424 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $43,359. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Check out Wild Animal Handler jobs in San Diego, California

Experienced Veterinary Assistant - Specialty

The Animal Cardiology Center - NEW YORK, NY

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Licensed Veterinary Technician

VCA Adirondack Animal Hospital - QUEENSBURY, NY

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Veterinary Assistant

Mountain Emergency Animal Center - BLUE RIDGE, GA

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Veterinarian

Sangaree Animal Hospital - SUMMERVILLE, SC

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Best-Paying Cities for Wild Animal Handler

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Wild Animal Handler profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $52,869
Santa Clara, CA $52,869
Saratoga, CA $52,869
Sunnyvale, CA $52,869
Los Gatos, CA $52,869

Best-Paying States for Wild Animal Handler

The states and districts that pay Wild Animal Handler the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $46,887) , California (around $46,465) , New Jersey (around $46,171) , Alaska (around $45,876) , and Massachusetts (around $45,834) .
District of Columbia $46,887
California $46,465
New Jersey $46,171
Alaska $45,876
Massachusetts $45,834

What is the Career Path of Wild Animal Handler?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to Animal Technician, Sr..
Besides, Wild Animal Handler can also turn to other related jobs, including Animal Handler , Wild Land Firefighter , Handler and Animal Scientist I .

Frequently Asked Questions for Wild Animal Handler

Q: What is the salary range of Wild Animal Handler in San Diego, CA?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Wild Animal Handler in San Diego, CA earned an average annual salary of $43,359 , while the highest-paid made $50,424.
Q: What is the salary for a Wild Animal Handler in California?
A: Wild Animal Handler employed in California earned an average salary of $46,465 in 2024.

Average Wild Animal Handler Pay vs. Other Jobs

Wild Animal Handler earned an average salary of $45,244 in 2024. Other jobs related to Wild Animal Handler earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Animal Handler made $44,493 , Wild Land Firefighter made $55,558 , Handler and Animal Scientist I made $39,358 and $61,149 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Wild Animal Handler

Animal Handler - Average Salary $44,493
There is currently no job description for Animal Handler, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Animal Handler.
Wild Land Firefighter - Average Salary $55,558
There is currently no job description for Wild Land Firefighter, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Wild Land Firefighter.
Handler - Average Salary $39,358
There is currently no job description for Handler, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Handler.
Animal Scientist I - Average Salary $61,149
Animal Scientist I conducts research, and analyzes and experiments on the selection, breeding, feeding, management, and marketing of animals. Determines and evaluates their applications to scientific study. Being an Animal Scientist I requires a degree in animal science. May be expected to have an advanced degree in area of specialty with 0-2 years of experience. Additionally, Animal Scientist I has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a project manager.
Animal Technician - Average Salary $44,863
Animal Technician provides daily care for research animals of various species. Cleans and disinfects cages and equipment. Being an Animal Technician monitors the health and well being of the animals, maintains logs of animal diet, behavior, vital signs and other data. Follows standard operating procedures and all biosafety and animal welfare regulations. Additionally, Animal Technician may perform procedures to collect samples. May transport animals to and from laboratories. Requires a high school diploma. May require Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or other certification. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Animal Technician works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.