Zookeeper salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
Find out where the zookeeper salary sits on the Australian salary index. Award rates, part-time work, and how it compares to national earnings.
A full-time zookeeper on award rates typically earns between $52,000 and $63,000 a year, placing the occupation around index 48 to 59, near or just above the national minimum wage line.
What is a zookeeper salary?
A zookeeper salary in Australia is not a single figure. It depends on the employer, the state, the keeper’s experience, and whether the role is full-time or part-time. Zookeepers are classified under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 as animal attendants. The award sets minimum weekly and hourly rates for several levels, from Introductory to Level 4. Most zookeepers would be employed at Level 1 to Level 3, depending on their duties and qualifications.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 1,500 zookeepers nationally. The occupation is relatively young (median age 31) and mostly female (64%). A significant 37% work part-time. The median weekly earnings for zookeepers are not published because the occupation is too small for the ABS survey, so the best available guide is the award minimum.
Where does it sit on the salary index?
The salary index compares a gross annual wage to the national line of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. The benchmark for 2026 is $108,352 a year (index 100). A full-time zookeeper on the award’s Level 1 rate earns $1,004.90 per week, which annualises to $52,255. That gives an index of 48.2 — almost exactly the national minimum wage line. A Level 2 zookeeper ($1,073.10/week) has an index of 51.5, and a Level 3 ($1,119.10/week) reaches 53.7. Even at Level 4 ($1,221.10/week), the index is 58.6, still well below the national average.
For context, the national minimum wage itself sits at index 48.2. So a zookeeper salary typically falls between the minimum wage and about 60% of average earnings. This places the occupation in the lower half of the Australian pay spectrum, similar to retail trade (index 75.9) or accommodation and food services (72.5), though slightly below those industries.
Award rates and classifications
The Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118) covers zookeepers under the classification “Animal attendant”. The award was updated on 1 July 2026 with a 4.75% increase. Here are the full-time weekly rates:
- Introductory level: $978.10/week ($25.74/hr) — index 45.1
- Level 1: $1,004.90/week ($26.44/hr) — index 48.2
- Level 2: $1,073.10/week ($28.24/hr) — index 51.5
- Level 3: $1,119.10/week ($29.45/hr) — index 53.7
- Level 4: $1,221.10/week ($32.13/hr) — index 58.6
Most zookeepers would start at Level 1 or 2. Level 3 may apply to experienced keepers who train animals or supervise others. Level 4 is for senior animal attendants with advanced skills. The award also has a Practice Manager level ($1,283.10/week, index 61.7), but that is a supervisory role, not a typical zookeeper position.
Factors affecting pay
Several factors can push a zookeeper salary above the award minimum. Some zoos and wildlife parks have enterprise agreements that pay higher rates. Location also matters: states like Western Australia (index 106.9) and the ACT (109.9) have higher overall earnings, which can lift local wages. Conversely, Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are lower. The states page on Salary Index shows these differences.
Experience and specialisation also matter. A zookeeper who works with dangerous animals or has veterinary nursing qualifications may be classified at a higher level. The award allows for classification above Level 4 if the role involves significant responsibility.
Part-time work is common. With 37% of zookeepers working part-time, many earn less than the full-time annual figures above. A part-time Level 2 zookeeper working 20 hours a week earns about $29,000 a year (index 27).
How super and tax affect take-home pay
Employers must pay superannuation at 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. For a full-time Level 2 zookeeper earning $55,801, the employer adds $6,696 in super. That money goes into a fund and is not part of take-home pay.
Income tax for 2026-27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) is:
- Nil on first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- Plus 2% Medicare levy
A zookeeper earning $55,801 would pay about $7,567 in tax and $1,116 in Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of about $47,118. That’s roughly $906 per week.
Comparing to other roles
Zookeeper pay is similar to other animal care roles like kennel hands or pet groomers. It is lower than veterinary nurses (who have their own award classification) and well below veterinary surgeons (starting at $67,582, index 62.4). For a broader view, see the industries page, which shows that arts and recreation services (the industry for zoos) has an average index of about 85, but zookeepers are on the lower end within that industry.
If you are considering a career as a zookeeper, the pay guides on Salary Index can help you understand how award rates compare to other occupations. The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail.
Summary
A zookeeper salary in Australia is modest, typically between $52,000 and $63,000 a year for full-time work. On the salary index, that is 48 to 59, near the national minimum wage. Part-time work is common, and actual earnings depend on the award level, location, and employer. While not a high-paying occupation, it offers the reward of working with animals in a public service role.
Questions people ask
What is the typical zookeeper salary in Australia?
There is no published median salary for zookeepers, but the award minimum for a full-time animal attendant (Level 1) is $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 a year. With experience, a Level 3 animal attendant earns $1,119.10 per week ($58,193 a year). On the salary index, that ranges from 48 to 54, close to the national minimum wage line. Many zookeepers work part-time, so actual annual earnings are often lower.
Do zookeepers receive superannuation?
Yes. Under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award, employers must make superannuation contributions to avoid the super guarantee charge. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a zookeeper earning $55,000 a year, that adds about $6,600 in super contributions.
How does part-time work affect a zookeeper’s salary?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, 37% of zookeepers work part-time. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rates as full-time employees but work fewer than 38 hours a week on a regular basis. Their annual salary is pro-rata. For example, a Level 2 zookeeper working 20 hours a week would earn about $28.24 per hour, or roughly $29,000 a year before tax, compared to $55,800 full-time.