BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Animal Caretakers in New Jersey

$39,940 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$19.2 per hour

▲ 7.1% above U.S. average14th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$39,940per year
Median$35,850per year
Hourly$19.2per hour
10th – 90th percentile$32,220 – $49,620per year

Animal Caretakers Pay Range in New Jersey

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$32,220
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$34,110
  • 50th Percentile — Median$35,850
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$42,340
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$49,620

Half of Animal Caretakers in New Jersey earn more than $35,850. The top 10% make $49,620 or more, while entry-level workers start around $32,220.

Animal Caretakers in New Jersey: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • New Jersey ranks 14th of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay, at $39,940 per year (7.1% above the U.S. average of $37,300).
  • 5,890 people work as Animal Caretakers in New Jersey — 2.2% of all U.S. Animal Caretakers jobs.
  • Location quotient 0.80: Animal Caretakers jobs are less concentrated in New Jersey than in the U.S. overall.
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $32,220; the top 10% earn over $49,620.
  • Hourly equivalent: $19.2 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $46,510.
  • Among personal services jobs in New Jersey, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pays the most ($65,470).

Animal Caretakers Job Market in New Jersey

Key factors affecting compensation

New Jersey's key industries are Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology, and its job market is rated strong. Animal Caretakers here earn $39,940 on average, placing the state 14th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 1.28 (U.S. = 1.00), a New Jersey salary of $39,940 is roughly equivalent to $31,203 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Colorado ($41,010), New York ($40,540), Alaska ($40,460) are the closest alternatives for Animal Caretakers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in New Jersey?

The average Animal Caretakers salary in New Jersey is $39,940 per year (median $35,850), which is 7.1% above the national average of $37,300.

How does New Jersey rank for Animal Caretakers pay?

New Jersey ranks 14th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($46,510/yr).

How much do entry-level Animal Caretakers make in New Jersey?

The lowest-paid 10% of Animal Caretakers in New Jersey earn about $32,220 per year and the 25th percentile is $34,110.

How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in New Jersey?

About $19.2 per hour, based on the $39,940 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

How many Animal Caretakers work in New Jersey?

BLS counts 5,890 Animal Caretakers jobs in New Jersey (OEWS May 2025).

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