BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Animal Caretakers in Tennessee

$34,110 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$16.4 per hour

▼ 8.6% below U.S. average38th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$34,110per year
Median$30,550per year
Hourly$16.4per hour
10th – 90th percentile$23,980 – $47,020per year

Animal Caretakers Pay Range in Tennessee

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$23,980
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$28,110
  • 50th Percentile — Median$30,550
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$36,170
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$47,020

Half of Animal Caretakers in Tennessee earn more than $30,550. The top 10% make $47,020 or more, while entry-level workers start around $23,980.

Animal Caretakers in Tennessee: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • Tennessee ranks 38th of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay, at $34,110 per year (8.6% below the U.S. average of $37,300).
  • 6,110 people work as Animal Caretakers in Tennessee — 2.3% of all U.S. Animal Caretakers jobs.
  • Location quotient 1.08: Animal Caretakers jobs are more concentrated in Tennessee than in the U.S. overall.
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $23,980; the top 10% earn over $47,020.
  • Hourly equivalent: $16.4 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $46,510.
  • Among personal services jobs in Tennessee, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pays the most ($48,380).

Animal Caretakers Job Market in Tennessee

Key factors affecting compensation

Tennessee's key industries are Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism, and its job market is rated strong. Animal Caretakers here earn $34,110 on average, placing the state 38th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.88 (U.S. = 1.00), a Tennessee salary of $34,110 is roughly equivalent to $38,761 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Wyoming ($34,150), Kansas ($34,130), Arkansas ($34,110) 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 Tennessee?

The average Animal Caretakers salary in Tennessee is $34,110 per year (median $30,550), which is 8.6% below the national average of $37,300.

How does Tennessee rank for Animal Caretakers pay?

Tennessee ranks 38th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($46,510/yr).

How much do entry-level Animal Caretakers make in Tennessee?

The lowest-paid 10% of Animal Caretakers in Tennessee earn about $23,980 per year and the 25th percentile is $28,110.

How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Tennessee?

About $16.4 per hour, based on the $34,110 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

How many Animal Caretakers work in Tennessee?

BLS counts 6,110 Animal Caretakers jobs in Tennessee (OEWS May 2025).

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