Animal Caretaker salary in California
Animal Caretakers in California earn a median of $38,700 a year ($18.60 an hour), based on BLS data for 25,710 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,270 for the top 10%. That is 9% higher than the national median of $35,360. California ranks 5th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $42,730, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,640 | $17.14 |
| 25th percentile | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Median | $38,700 | $18.60 |
| 75th percentile | $45,160 | $21.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,270 | $27.05 |
| Average (mean) | $42,730 | $20.54 |
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 | $3,225 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,612.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,488.46 |
| Weekly | $744.23 |
| Hourly | $18.60 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,700 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $44,070 | 1,090 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $43,640 | 3,440 |
| El Centro, CA | $40,880 | 40 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $39,870 | 200 |
| Vallejo, CA | $39,520 | 230 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $38,840 | 600 |
| Napa, CA | $38,750 | 100 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $38,520 | 9,000 |
| Modesto, CA | $38,320 | 280 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $38,280 | 270 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $37,970 | 380 |
| Salinas, CA | $37,960 | 240 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $37,870 | 3,030 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $37,780 | 1,510 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $37,340 | 50 |
| Yuba City, CA | $37,300 | 60 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $37,120 | 300 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $37,050 | 2,170 |
| Redding, CA | $36,900 | 160 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $36,660 | 310 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $36,620 | 520 |
| Merced, CA | $36,480 | 80 |
| Fresno, CA | $36,430 | 540 |
| Visalia, CA | $36,150 | 120 |
| Chico, CA | $35,990 | 150 |
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 California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $49,060 | $23.59 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,780 | $19.12 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $17.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,660 | $18.59 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Gambling Dealer | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $53,620 | $25.78 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,770 | $18.64 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $56,110 | $26.98 |
| Residential Advisor | $46,650 | $22.43 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $46,000 | $22.11 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in California
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 California?
The median salary for animal caretakers in California is $38,700 a year, or $18.60 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in California?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in California earn at least $56,270 a year. The top 25% earn $45,160 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,640 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $36,810 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in California?
About 25,710 animal caretakers are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.