Aerospace Engineers vs. Animal Caretakers: Who Earns More?
Aerospace Engineers out-earn Animal Caretakers by $100K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineers land at $134,960 and Animal Caretakers at $35,360. The education gap is real: aerospace engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while animal caretaker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers is Minnesota ($159,060); for Animal Caretakers it's District of Columbia ($44,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineers or Animal Caretakers?
Aerospace Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $134,960 for Aerospace Engineers versus $35,360 for Animal Caretakers, a difference of $100K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineers or Animal Caretakers?
Animal Caretakers has the better 10-year outlook at 12.1% projected growth, compared to 6.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineers or Animal Caretakers?
Aerospace Engineers 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 Engineers get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers at $159,060/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineers vs. Animal Caretakers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Aerospace Engineers earn $159,060 vs. $36,430 for Animal Caretakers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.