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Animal Caretakers Salary in Kentucky
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in Kentucky?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$30,720
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.6% vs 2024
$34,070
Mean Salary
$30,720
Median Salary
$14.77
Hourly Rate
6,140 people work as Animal Caretakers in Kentucky
Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Kentucky
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $30,720 per year ($2,560/month).
This is 8.4% below the national average of $33,529.
Kentucky ranks #34 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 6,140 people work in this occupation across Kentucky.
Salaries increased by 4.6% 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 Kentucky range from $22,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $47,290 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $27,860 and $37,890.
Median $30,720
P10: $22,600P25: $27,860P75: $37,890P90: $47,290
10th
$22,600
25th
$27,860
Median
$30,720
75th
$37,890
90th
$47,290
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$22,600
$10.87
$1,883
25th Percentile
$27,860
$13.39
$2,321
Median (50th)
$30,720
$14.77
$2,560
75th Percentile
$37,890
$18.22
$3,157
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$47,290
$22.74
$3,940
Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,070 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Kentucky is $30,720 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,070.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in Kentucky range from $22,600 at the 10th percentile to $47,290 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $27,860 and $37,890.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in Kentucky typically start around $22,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $27,860 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,140 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Kentucky is approximately $14.77 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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