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Animal Caretakers Salary in California

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$37,200
Median Annual Salary
$40,310
Mean Salary
$37,200
Median Salary
$17.88
Hourly Rate
26,200 people work as Animal Caretakers in California

About This Job: Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

Top Skills

Monitoring
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.2
Administrative
3.13
English Language
3.07
Education and Training
2.62
Administration and Management
2.54
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (63.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Animal Caretakers in California

Salaries for Animal Caretakers in California range from $34,420 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $48,150 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,700 and $43,270.

Median $37,200
P10: $34,420 P25: $35,700 P75: $43,270 P90: $48,150
10th
$34,420
25th
$35,700
Median
$37,200
75th
$43,270
90th
$48,150
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $34,420 $16.55 $2,868
25th Percentile $35,700 $17.16 $2,975
Median (50th) $37,200 $17.88 $3,100
75th Percentile $43,270 $20.80 $3,605
90th Percentile (Experienced) $48,150 $23.15 $4,012

Note: The mean (average) salary of $40,310 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Animal Caretakers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Animal Caretakers Salary by State

Compare Animal Caretakers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Washington $38,400 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

View all 50 states →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in California is $37,200 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $40,310.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in California?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in California range from $34,420 at the 10th percentile to $48,150 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $35,700 and $43,270.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in California?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in California typically start around $34,420 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,700 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 26,200 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in California is approximately $17.88 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS