Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Animal Caretakers: Who Earns More?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians out-earn Animal Caretakers by $48K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians land at $82,890 and Animal Caretakers at $35,360. The education gap is real: aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while animal caretaker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is Washington ($125,160); for Animal Caretakers it's District of Columbia ($44,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Animal Caretakers?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn more nationally. The median is $82,890 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians versus $35,360 for Animal Caretakers, a difference of $48K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Animal Caretakers?
Animal Caretakers has the better 10-year outlook at 12.1% projected growth, compared to 8.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Animal Caretakers?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Animal Caretakers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians at $125,160/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Animal Caretakers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn $125,160 vs. $40,570 for Animal Caretakers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.