Animal Caretaker Salary in 2026
How Much Do Animal Caretakers Make?
Animal Caretakers earn a median annual salary of $33,470 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $24,500 at the 10th percentile to $46,480 at the 90th percentile — a range of $21,980. The highest-paying state is Washington at $38,400.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,500 |
| 25th percentile | $28,870 |
| Median (50th) | $33,470 |
| 75th percentile | $37,160 |
| 90th percentile | $46,480 |
Animal Caretaker Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $38,400 |
| District of Columbia | $37,980 |
| California | $37,200 |
| Massachusetts | $36,910 |
| New York | $36,500 |
| Connecticut | $36,330 |
| Maine | $36,310 |
| Maryland | $35,990 |
| Vermont | $35,600 |
| Alaska | $35,570 |
| Oregon | $35,310 |
| Colorado | $35,300 |
| Arizona | $35,170 |
| Rhode Island | $34,930 |
| New Jersey | $34,530 |
| Illinois | $34,440 |
| Hawaii | $34,410 |
| Minnesota | $33,790 |
| Montana | $32,290 |
| New Hampshire | $32,030 |
| Utah | $31,550 |
| Virginia | $30,830 |
| New Mexico | $30,720 |
| Delaware | $30,460 |
| North Dakota | $30,400 |
| Florida | $30,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,260 |
| Nebraska | $29,970 |
| Idaho | $29,910 |
| South Carolina | $29,900 |
| Texas | $29,810 |
| Tennessee | $29,800 |
| Michigan | $29,730 |
| Ohio | $29,700 |
| Iowa | $29,560 |
| Nevada | $29,530 |
| Wisconsin | $29,490 |
| South Dakota | $29,460 |
| Missouri | $29,390 |
| Kentucky | $29,370 |
| Arkansas | $29,370 |
| North Carolina | $28,900 |
| Georgia | $28,880 |
| Indiana | $28,800 |
| Wyoming | $28,780 |
| Oklahoma | $28,370 |
| West Virginia | $28,330 |
| Kansas | $27,970 |
| Alabama | $27,940 |
| Louisiana | $27,630 |
| Mississippi | $23,740 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Animal Caretakers
Animal Caretaker Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$24,500 – $28,870 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$33,470 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$37,160 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $46,480+ |
How to Earn More as an Animal Caretaker
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Animal Caretakers in High Desert Utah nonmetropolitan area earn $49,980 — $16,510 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($37,160) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Animal Caretaker Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Animal Caretakerthis career | $33,470 |
| Agricultural Manager | $87,980 |
| Animal Scientist | $79,120 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist | $72,860 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Worker | $58,570 |
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SOC: 39-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.