Animal Caretaker salary in Arkansas
Animal Caretakers in Arkansas earn a median of $30,230 a year ($14.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,040 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,990 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $35,360. Arkansas ranks 40th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.6 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $34,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Arkansas
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,290 | $13.12 |
| 25th percentile | $28,580 | $13.74 |
| Median | $30,230 | $14.54 |
| 75th percentile | $35,210 | $16.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| Average (mean) | $34,110 | $16.40 |
Half of animal caretakers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,519.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,259.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,162.69 |
| Weekly | $581.35 |
| Hourly | $14.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Arkansas
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $33,900 | 660 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $32,720 | 100 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $31,070 | 850 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $30,410 | 100 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $29,270 | 650 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $28,450 | 100 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $28,220 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,210 |
| Washington | $40,570 |
| Hawaii | $40,130 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 |
| California | $38,700 |
| Arizona | $38,180 |
| New York | $37,840 |
| Colorado | $37,430 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 |
| Maine | $37,230 |
Related jobs in Arkansas
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $39,400 | $18.94 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,450 | $13.68 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,850 | $12.91 |
| Recreation Worker | $27,770 | $13.35 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $28,830 | $13.86 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $42,140 | $20.26 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $39,420 | $18.95 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,300 | $18.41 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $36,830 | $17.71 |
| Gambling Dealer | $28,380 | $13.65 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $36,120 | $17.37 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,520 | $17.56 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,050 | $13.49 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $27,690 | $13.31 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Arkansas
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal caretaker make in Arkansas?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Arkansas is $30,230 a year, or $14.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Arkansas?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Arkansas earn at least $47,990 a year. The top 25% earn $35,210 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Arkansas?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,290 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,580 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Arkansas?
About 2,040 animal caretakers are employed in Arkansas, not counting the self-employed.