Animal caretakers play a vital role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of animals in settings such as zoos, shelters, and veterinary clinics. They provide daily care, including feeding, grooming, and medical treatment, while also maintaining clean and comfortable environments for their charges. Their work is essential for conserving wildlife, rehabilitating injured animals, and providing companionship for pets in need.
This article will explore the best states for animal caretakers, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.
- 1. Washington ($39,450)
- 2. District of Columbia ($38,960)
- 3. Massachusetts ($38,930)
- 4. California ($38,200)
- 5. New York ($36,910)
- 6. Hawaii ($36,860)
- 7. Oregon ($36,630)
- 8. Maryland ($35,490)
- 9. Connecticut ($34,590)
- 10. Maine ($34,440)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- The highest-paid animal caretakers are in Washington, where they earn an average of $39,450 per year.
- The lowest-paid animal caretakers are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $22,260 per year.
- The U.S. average salary for animal caretakers is $31,335 per year.
1. Washington ($39,450)
Animal Caretakers in Washington earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in Washington is
$39,450, which is +26% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $39,450 |
| 10th Percentile | $30,850 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $52,460 |
2. District of Columbia ($38,960)
Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in District of Columbia is
$38,960, which is +24% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $38,960 |
| 10th Percentile | $31,620 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,460 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $46,250 |
3. Massachusetts ($38,930)
Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in Massachusetts is
$38,930, which is +24% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $38,930 |
| 10th Percentile | $31,230 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,770 |
| 90th Percentile | $45,640 |
4. California ($38,200)
Animal Caretakers in California earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in California is
$38,200, which is +22% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $38,200 |
| 10th Percentile | $30,670 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $47,860 |
5. New York ($36,910)
Animal Caretakers in New York earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in New York is
$36,910, which is +18% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $36,910 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,300 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $47,190 |
6. Hawaii ($36,860)
Animal Caretakers in Hawaii earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in Hawaii is
$36,860, which is +18% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $36,860 |
| 10th Percentile | $24,990 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,170 |
| 90th Percentile | $52,890 |
7. Oregon ($36,630)
Animal Caretakers in Oregon earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in Oregon is
$36,630, which is +17% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $36,630 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,340 |
| 90th Percentile | $52,850 |
8. Maryland ($35,490)
Animal Caretakers in Maryland earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in Maryland is
$35,490, which is +13% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $35,490 |
| 10th Percentile | $27,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,810 |
| 90th Percentile | $48,530 |
9. Connecticut ($34,590)
Animal Caretakers in Connecticut earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in Connecticut is
$34,590, which is +10% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $34,590 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,580 |
| 90th Percentile | $46,560 |
10. Maine ($34,440)
Animal Caretakers in Maine earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for
animal caretakers in Maine is
$34,440, which is +10% from the national average.
| Type | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Median Wage | $34,440 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $34,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $42,460 |
Conclusion
The highest-paid animal caretakers are in Washington, where they earn an average of $39,450 per year. The lowest-paid animal caretakers are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $22,260 per year. The U.S. average salary for animal caretakers is $31,335 per year and there are 257,240 jobs in the field.
