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Animal Caretakers Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$35,570
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.3% vs 2024
$38,670
Mean Salary
$35,570
Median Salary
$17.10
Hourly Rate
11,070 people work as Animal Caretakers in Illinois
Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in Illinois earn a median salary of $35,570 per year ($2,964/month).
This is 6.1% above the national average of $33,529.
Illinois ranks #18 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 11,070 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 3.3% 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 Illinois range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $50,160 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $32,080 and $37,840.
Median $35,570
P10: $31,200P25: $32,080P75: $37,840P90: $50,160
10th
$31,200
25th
$32,080
Median
$35,570
75th
$37,840
90th
$50,160
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
25th Percentile
$32,080
$15.42
$2,673
Median (50th)
$35,570
$17.10
$2,964
75th Percentile
$37,840
$18.19
$3,153
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$50,160
$24.12
$4,180
Note: The mean (average) salary of $38,670 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Illinois is $35,570 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $38,670.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in Illinois range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $50,160 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $32,080 and $37,840.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in Illinois typically start around $31,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $32,080 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 11,070 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Illinois is approximately $17.10 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.
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