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SOC 6139 Caring personal service occupations

Animal care services occupations n.e.c. Salary

Median salary £23,345 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified include roles in animal rescue, shelter work, dog grooming, animal behaviourism and other animal care services not covered by veterinary or farming codes.

Key responsibilities

  • Providing daily care and welfare for animals
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and facilities
  • Monitoring animal health and reporting concerns
  • Handling, socialising and exercising animals
  • Supporting adoption, rehoming or client services

Qualifications and entry routes

No mandatory qualifications for many roles, though animal care qualifications (Level 2/3 City & Guilds, BTEC) are valued. Dog groomers may hold City & Guilds in dog grooming. Kennel Club qualifications for specific roles.

Career outlook

Growing pet ownership supports demand. Animal welfare legislation and growing professionalisation of the sector are raising standards and creating career development opportunities.

Key skills

Animal handling Animal welfare knowledge Physical fitness Observation skills Customer service

Common industries

  • Animal rescue and rehoming
  • Dog grooming
  • Boarding kennels and catteries
  • Zoos and wildlife parks
  • Pet retail

Data coverage

SOC code 6139
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2015–2025
Estimated jobs 25,000

Median Salary

£23,345

Mean Salary

£21,340

Jobs (000s)

25k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £13,556Median: £23,345P75: £26,372
P10: £10kP25: £14kMedian: £23kP75: £26kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£9,962

0-2 years

Mid Level

£13,556

3-7 years

Senior

£26,372

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +165% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +70.2%Real growth: +23.1%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 9.3%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£23,345

Full-time Only

£25,067

Full-time premium: +£1,722