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Animal Caretakers Salary in Tennessee
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in Tennessee?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$30,550
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.5% vs 2024
$34,110
Mean Salary
$30,550
Median Salary
$14.69
Hourly Rate
6,110 people work as Animal Caretakers in Tennessee
Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Tennessee
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in Tennessee earn a median salary of $30,550 per year ($2,545/month).
This is 8.9% below the national average of $33,529.
Tennessee ranks #35 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 6,110 people work in this occupation across Tennessee.
Salaries increased by 2.5% 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 Tennessee range from $23,980 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $47,020 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,110 and $36,170.
Median $30,550
P10: $23,980P25: $28,110P75: $36,170P90: $47,020
10th
$23,980
25th
$28,110
Median
$30,550
75th
$36,170
90th
$47,020
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$23,980
$11.53
$1,998
25th Percentile
$28,110
$13.51
$2,342
Median (50th)
$30,550
$14.69
$2,545
75th Percentile
$36,170
$17.39
$3,014
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$47,020
$22.61
$3,918
Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,110 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Tennessee is $30,550 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,110.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in Tennessee range from $23,980 at the 10th percentile to $47,020 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,110 and $36,170.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in Tennessee typically start around $23,980 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,110 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,110 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Tennessee is approximately $14.69 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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