Animal Caretaker salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Animal Caretaker in United States is approximately 30,171 USD (30,243 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Animal Caretaker do?

An animal caretaker is responsible for the well-being and care of animals in various settings such as zoos, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or research facilities. Their main duties include feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning and maintaining their living spaces, administering medications as required, and monitoring their behavior and health. Animal caretakers also play a crucial role in ensuring the animals' mental stimulation and exercise by organizing and facilitating enrichment activities. They may assist with handling and restraining animals during medical procedures or examinations, and provide support to veterinarians or researchers when needed. Additionally, animal caretakers often educate the public about animal welfare and conservation, answering questions and providing information about specific species. This occupation requires a deep love and understanding of animals, as well as physical stamina and the ability to work in all weather conditions.

Skills: animal care, animal welfare, animal handling, zookeeper, veterinary assistant, animal shelter.
Job industry: Agriculture

How much does Animal Caretaker make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Animal Caretaker a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Animal Caretaker is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Animal Caretaker might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Animal Caretaker?

High salary for Animal Caretaker would be somewhere between 33,188 USD and 43,748 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Animal Caretaker in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 30,171 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,514 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 580 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 15 USD per hour
By working as Animal Caretaker a person can save up to 240 USD per month or 2,883 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Animal Caretaker

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Tooling engineer (74,427 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Computer security specialist (76,420 USD per year, pre-tax.)
It asset manager (85,173 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Asp.net developer (73,247 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Technical service department manager (80,319 USD per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results