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Animal Caretakers Salary in Missouri

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Animal Caretakers make in Missouri?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$31,230
Median Annual Salary
▲ +6.3% vs 2024
$34,500
Mean Salary
$31,230
Median Salary
$15.01
Hourly Rate
5,820 people work as Animal Caretakers in Missouri

Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Missouri

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Animal Caretakers salary in Missouri — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Animal Caretakers in Missouri.10thBottom 10% earn less than $28,600$28,60025th25% earn less than $29,300$29,300MedianHalf earn more than $31,230$31,23075th75% earn less than $35,500$35,50090thTop 10% earn more than $44,930$44,930

Animal Caretakers in Missouri earn a median salary of $31,230 per year ($2,602/month). This is 6.9% below the national average of $33,529. Missouri ranks #32 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay. Approximately 5,820 people work in this occupation across Missouri. Salaries increased by 6.3% 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)

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

Salary Range: Animal Caretakers in Missouri

Salaries for Animal Caretakers in Missouri range from $28,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,930 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $29,300 and $35,500.

Median $31,230
P10: $28,600 P25: $29,300 P75: $35,500 P90: $44,930
10th
$28,600
25th
$29,300
Median
$31,230
75th
$35,500
90th
$44,930
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $28,600 $13.75 $2,383
25th Percentile $29,300 $14.09 $2,441
Median (50th) $31,230 $15.01 $2,602
75th Percentile $35,500 $17.07 $2,958
90th Percentile (Experienced) $44,930 $21.60 $3,744

Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,500 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#32
Missouri ranks #32 of 51 states
$33,529
National avg. for Animal Caretakers
-6.9%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Missouri:

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

How much do you actually take home? See Animal Caretakers take-home pay in Missouri after taxes →

Explore Animal Caretakers Data in Missouri

Animal Caretakers Salary by State

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

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Animal Caretakers make in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Missouri is $31,230 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,500.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in Missouri range from $28,600 at the 10th percentile to $44,930 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $29,300 and $35,500.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in Missouri typically start around $28,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $29,300 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 5,820 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in Missouri.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Missouri is approximately $15.01 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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

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