Animal Caretakers Pay Range in South Dakota
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$27,260
- 25th Percentile — Junior$28,710
- 50th Percentile — Median$30,390
- 75th Percentile — Senior$35,370
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$44,960
Half of Animal Caretakers in South Dakota earn more than $30,390. The top 10% make $44,960 or more, while entry-level workers start around $27,260.
Animal Caretakers in South Dakota: Key Facts
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
- South Dakota ranks 42nd of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay, at $33,700 per year (9.7% below the U.S. average of $37,300).
- 1,110 people work as Animal Caretakers in South Dakota — 0.4% of all U.S. Animal Caretakers jobs.
- Location quotient 1.42: Animal Caretakers jobs are more concentrated in South Dakota than in the U.S. overall.
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,260; the top 10% earn over $44,960.
- Hourly equivalent: $16.2 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $46,510.
- Among personal services jobs in South Dakota, Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists pays the most ($48,310).
Animal Caretakers Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation
South Dakota's key industries are Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, and its job market is rated moderate. Animal Caretakers here earn $33,700 on average, placing the state 42nd nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $33,700 is roughly equivalent to $38,736 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Tennessee ($34,110), Kentucky ($34,070), North Carolina ($33,870) 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 South Dakota
Related career salary benchmarks
- Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists $48,310/yr South Dakota +43.4% vs this role
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $44,720/yr South Dakota +32.7% vs this role
- Recreation Workers $44,200/yr South Dakota +31.2% vs this role
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,850/yr South Dakota +27.2% vs this role
- Travel Guides $37,640/yr South Dakota +11.7% vs this role
- Skincare Specialists $37,060/yr South Dakota +10.0% vs this role
- Childcare Workers $29,720/yr South Dakota 11.8% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in South Dakota?
The average Animal Caretakers salary in South Dakota is $33,700 per year (median $30,390), which is 9.7% below the national average of $37,300.
How does South Dakota rank for Animal Caretakers pay?
South Dakota ranks 42nd out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($46,510/yr).
How much do entry-level Animal Caretakers make in South Dakota?
The lowest-paid 10% of Animal Caretakers in South Dakota earn about $27,260 per year and the 25th percentile is $28,710.
How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in South Dakota?
About $16.2 per hour, based on the $33,700 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
How many Animal Caretakers work in South Dakota?
BLS counts 1,110 Animal Caretakers jobs in South Dakota (OEWS May 2025).
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