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Animal Caretakers Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$30,390
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.2% vs 2024
$33,700
Mean Salary
$30,390
Median Salary
$14.61
Hourly Rate
1,110 people work as Animal Caretakers in South Dakota
Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $30,390 per year ($2,532/month).
This is 9.4% below the national average of $33,529.
South Dakota ranks #36 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 1,110 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
Salaries increased by 3.2% 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 South Dakota range from $27,260 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,960 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,710 and $35,370.
Median $30,390
P10: $27,260P25: $28,710P75: $35,370P90: $44,960
10th
$27,260
25th
$28,710
Median
$30,390
75th
$35,370
90th
$44,960
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$27,260
$13.11
$2,271
25th Percentile
$28,710
$13.80
$2,392
Median (50th)
$30,390
$14.61
$2,532
75th Percentile
$35,370
$17.00
$2,947
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$44,960
$21.62
$3,746
Note: The mean (average) salary of $33,700 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Animal Caretakers make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in South Dakota is $30,390 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $33,700.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in South Dakota?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in South Dakota range from $27,260 at the 10th percentile to $44,960 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,710 and $35,370.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in South Dakota?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in South Dakota typically start around $27,260 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,710 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,110 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in South Dakota is approximately $14.61 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.
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