1

Primate Caretaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nonhuman Primate (old world and new world) experience a plus. Good clinical skills (bronchoscopy ... caretakers in a variety of procedures involving animals and the vivarium. * Preference for ...

Clinical Veterinarian I

Hamilton, MT · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Nonhuman primate experience a plus. Good clinical skills (bronchoscopy, catheterization, ultrasound ... caretakers in a variety of procedures involving animals and the vivarium. * Preference for ...

Primate Caretaker information

See salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do primate caretaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for primate caretaker in the United States is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a primate caretaker?

Primate caretakers are professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of primates in settings such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, research facilities, or rehabilitation centers. Their duties include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, providing enrichment activities, and observing behavior to ensure the animals are healthy and safe. They often work closely with veterinarians and researchers to maintain high standards of animal welfare. Primate caretakers play a vital role in conservation, education, and research efforts related to primate species.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a primate caretaker?

To thrive as a Primate Caretaker, you need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, often with hands-on experience working with non-human primates. Familiarity with animal husbandry protocols, enrichment tools, and safety procedures, as well as certifications in animal care or laboratory animal technology, are commonly required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, patience, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the health, welfare, and proper management of primates in research, sanctuary, or zoological settings.

What are some common challenges faced by primate caretakers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Primate Caretakers often encounter challenges related to managing the behavioral needs and social dynamics of intelligent and sensitive animals. Aggression between primates, enrichment boredom, and health monitoring require daily attention and adaptation. To address these, caretakers work closely with veterinary and behavioral staff, implement environmental enrichment programs, and maintain detailed records to track individual and group well-being. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, ensuring that both animal welfare and safety protocols are upheld.

What is the difference between Primate Caretaker vs Animal Caretaker?

AspectPrimate CaretakerAnimal Caretaker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, experience with primates, possibly certifications in animal careHigh school diploma, general animal care experience, certifications vary by species
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, research facilities, sanctuariesZoological parks, pet shelters, farms, sanctuaries
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily zoos, research institutions, primate sanctuariesAnimal shelters, zoos, pet stores, farms

Primate Caretakers specialize in caring for primates, requiring specific experience and certifications, and typically work in zoos or research facilities. Animal Caretakers have a broader focus on various animals and work in diverse environments like shelters or farms. Both roles involve animal handling, feeding, and health monitoring, but primate caretakers require specialized knowledge of primate behavior and needs.

How to become a primate caretaker?

To become a primate caretaker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals or in a zoo setting. Relevant skills include knowledge of primate behavior, proper handling techniques, and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering can improve job prospects in this field.

What degree do you need to work with primates?

Primate caretakers typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field. Relevant experience, animal handling skills, and certifications in animal care or safety can also be important for employment.

What cities are hiring for Primate Caretaker jobs?

Cities with the most Primate Caretaker job openings:

What states have the most Primate Caretaker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Primate Caretaker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Primate Caretaker jobs?

For Primate Caretaker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Primate Caretaker job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,069 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Primate Caregiver II, Black Beauty Ranch

humaneworld

Murchison, TX • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead daily care and observation of animals within the primate department.

  • Develop and implement animal diet plans, oversee feeding, and assist in maintaining food inventory.

  • Maintain enclosures, habitats, and facilities through cleaning and upkeep, and document animal care activities.


Job description

The hourly range for this full time position is $20 - 25, plus full benefits. Salary offers will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, skills, training and education.

Humane World for Animals, a global leader in animal advocacy and protection, is seeking an Animal Caregiver II for the Primate department at our Black Beauty Ranch (BBR) in Murchison, Texas. In this position you will provide care to the animals within the Primate department.

Responsibilities:

  • Leads daily care and observation of animals within the primate department at Black Beauty Ranch;
  • Works directly with Team Lead to develop animal diet plans with emphasis on presentation of food items in a behaviorally appropriate manner for the species and individual animal; assists in ordering and maintaining food inventory;
  • Directs, oversees, and participates in maintenance, and daily cleaning and upkeep for enclosures, pastures, animal buildings and habitats;  
  • Maintains logs and databases and prepares daily and other reports of animal care, animal wellness including but not limited to body condition and behavior, feeding, husbandry, animal locations, facility issues, and other issues;
  • Develops and implements daily animal wellness programs, including researching and developing new behavioral goals;
  • Coordinates with veterinary team concerning animal care, medication management and treatment; Oversees administration of medication and documents as required. Ensures veterinary staff is informed of all medication compliance;
  • Observes and monitors the health and well-being of animals; conducts animal wellness assessments and wellness plans for animals on their team; Assist with design and implementation of positive reinforcement training to assist with shifting, feeding, medical treatment and other husbandry needs;
  • Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal while maintaining a safe environment for all staff involved;
  • Capable of advanced training techniques including first aid, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care to animals.; assists veterinary staff with procedures, animal transport, and chemical capture as appropriate;
  • Assists with training and provides mentorship for other animal care staff; provides supervision in the absence of the lead caregiver;
  • Communicates with and coordinates activities with directors of other departments in the absence of the lead caregiver;
  • Assists with overseeing interns and volunteers in assigned team;
  • Assists with development and maintenance of operating procedures and protocols;
  • Performs other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.

 

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required;
  • Three (3) years of experience in animal care preferred;
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain up-to-date rabies prophylaxis and titer and TB testing;
  • Willing and able to work a flexible schedule;
  • Proficiency of Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook);
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;
  • Attention to detail and commitment to excellence demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes;
  • Strong interpersonal skills are necessary;
  • Strong interest in animal protection issues preferred.

This is a full-time position located in Murchison, TX. Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more!

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE