Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in Iowa?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in Iowa earn a median salary of $30,080 per year ($2,506/month). This is 10.3% below the national average of $33,529. Iowa ranks #42 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay. Approximately 3,480 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 1.8% compared to 2024.
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.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in Iowa range from $22,450 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $45,610 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $27,240 and $35,140.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $22,450 | $10.79 | $1,870 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,240 | $13.10 | $2,270 |
| Median (50th) | $30,080 | $14.46 | $2,506 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,140 | $16.89 | $2,928 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $45,610 | $21.93 | $3,800 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $32,900 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
Similar Jobs That Pay More in Iowa:
What does this salary really buy? See Animal Caretakers salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →
How much do you actually take home? See Animal Caretakers take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →
Compare Animal Caretakers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure
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.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS