Animal Caretakers Pay Range in California
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$35,640
- 25th Percentile — Junior$36,810
- 50th Percentile — Median$38,700
- 75th Percentile — Senior$45,160
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$56,270
Half of Animal Caretakers in California earn more than $38,700. The top 10% make $56,270 or more, while entry-level workers start around $35,640.
Animal Caretakers in California: Key Facts
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
- California ranks 6th of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay, at $42,730 per year (14.6% above the U.S. average of $37,300).
- 25,710 people work as Animal Caretakers in California — 9.6% of all U.S. Animal Caretakers jobs.
- Location quotient 0.82: Animal Caretakers jobs are less concentrated in California than in the U.S. overall.
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,640; the top 10% earn over $56,270.
- Hourly equivalent: $20.54 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $46,510.
- Among personal services jobs in California, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pays the most ($62,890).
Animal Caretakers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation
California's key industries are Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture, and its job market is rated very strong. Animal Caretakers here earn $42,730 on average, placing the state 6th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 1.42 (U.S. = 1.00), a California salary of $42,730 is roughly equivalent to $30,092 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Washington ($46,160), Massachusetts ($45,080), Arizona ($44,630) are the closest alternatives for Animal Caretakers weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Personal Services Jobs in California
Related career salary benchmarks
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $62,890/yr California +47.2% vs this role
- Skincare Specialists $49,910/yr California +16.8% vs this role
- Travel Guides $49,180/yr California +15.1% vs this role
- Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists $48,290/yr California +13.0% vs this role
- Barbers $47,720/yr California +11.7% vs this role
- Recreation Workers $43,530/yr California +1.9% vs this role
- Childcare Workers $42,790/yr California +0.1% vs this role
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $39,730/yr California 7.0% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in California?
The average Animal Caretakers salary in California is $42,730 per year (median $38,700), which is 14.6% above the national average of $37,300.
How does California rank for Animal Caretakers pay?
California ranks 6th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($46,510/yr).
How much do entry-level Animal Caretakers make in California?
The lowest-paid 10% of Animal Caretakers in California earn about $35,640 per year and the 25th percentile is $36,810.
How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in California?
About $20.54 per hour, based on the $42,730 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
How many Animal Caretakers work in California?
BLS counts 25,710 Animal Caretakers jobs in California (OEWS May 2025).
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