Animal Caretaker salary in Columbia, MO
Animal Caretakers in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $29,950 a year ($14.40 an hour), based on BLS data for 280 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,130 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 4% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $31,230. There are 2.6 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $32,340, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Median | $29,950 | $14.40 |
| 75th percentile | $33,730 | $16.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,130 | $17.85 |
| Average (mean) | $32,340 | $15.55 |
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 | $2,495.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,247.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,151.92 |
| Weekly | $575.96 |
| Hourly | $14.40 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Caretaker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $32,150 | 2,470 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $31,530 | 3,100 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $29,890 | 120 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,830 | 80 |
| Springfield, MO | $29,390 | 440 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $29,280 | 100 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $28,610 | 130 |
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 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,070 | $13.98 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Residential Advisor | $49,630 | $23.86 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,000 | $21.64 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,990 | $20.19 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
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 Columbia, MO?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Columbia, MO metro area is $29,950 a year, or $14.40 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $37,130 a year. The top 25% earn $33,730 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,600 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,600 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Columbia, MO?
About 280 animal caretakers are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.