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Animal Caretakers Salary in Virginia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in Virginia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$34,380
Median Annual Salary
▲
+11.5% vs 2024
$36,070
Mean Salary
$34,380
Median Salary
$16.53
Hourly Rate
10,070 people work as Animal Caretakers in Virginia
Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Virginia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in Virginia earn a median salary of $34,380 per year ($2,865/month).
This is 2.5% above the national average of $33,529.
Virginia ranks #21 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 10,070 people work in this occupation across Virginia.
Salaries increased by 11.5% 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 Virginia range from $28,050 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $46,180 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $29,490 and $38,120.
Median $34,380
P10: $28,050P25: $29,490P75: $38,120P90: $46,180
10th
$28,050
25th
$29,490
Median
$34,380
75th
$38,120
90th
$46,180
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$28,050
$13.49
$2,337
25th Percentile
$29,490
$14.18
$2,457
Median (50th)
$34,380
$16.53
$2,865
75th Percentile
$38,120
$18.33
$3,176
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$46,180
$22.20
$3,848
Note: The mean (average) salary of $36,070 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Virginia is $34,380 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $36,070.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in Virginia?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in Virginia range from $28,050 at the 10th percentile to $46,180 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $29,490 and $38,120.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in Virginia?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in Virginia typically start around $28,050 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $29,490 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in Virginia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 10,070 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in Virginia.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Virginia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in Virginia is approximately $16.53 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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