Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Animal Caretakers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$38,700
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.0% vs 2024
$42,730
Mean Salary
$38,700
Median Salary
$18.61
Hourly Rate
25,710 people work as Animal Caretakers in California
Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in California earn a median salary of $38,700 per year ($3,225/month).
This is 15.4% above the national average of $33,529.
California ranks #5 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 25,710 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 4.0% compared to 2024.
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)
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in California range from $35,640 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $56,270 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $36,810 and $45,160.
Median $38,700
P10: $35,640P25: $36,810P75: $45,160P90: $56,270
10th
$35,640
25th
$36,810
Median
$38,700
75th
$45,160
90th
$56,270
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$35,640
$17.13
$2,970
25th Percentile
$36,810
$17.70
$3,067
Median (50th)
$38,700
$18.61
$3,225
75th Percentile
$45,160
$21.71
$3,763
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$56,270
$27.05
$4,689
Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,730 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in California is $38,700 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,730.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in California?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in California range from $35,640 at the 10th percentile to $56,270 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $36,810 and $45,160.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in California?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in California typically start around $35,640 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $36,810 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 25,710 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 $18.61 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.