Animal Caretaker salary in Indiana
Animal Caretakers in Indiana earn a median of $29,990 a year ($14.42 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,420 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,270 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $35,360. Indiana ranks 43rd of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $31,900, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Indiana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,440 | $10.79 |
| 25th percentile | $26,540 | $12.76 |
| Median | $29,990 | $14.42 |
| 75th percentile | $35,420 | $17.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,270 | $20.80 |
| Average (mean) | $31,900 | $15.34 |
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 | $2,499.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,249.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,153.46 |
| Weekly | $576.73 |
| Hourly | $14.42 |
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 Indiana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $36,110 | 8,510 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,830 | 1,640 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,540 | 2,320 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $30,440 | 2,810 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $30,390 | 230 |
| Bloomington, IN | $29,720 | 170 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $29,680 | 100 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $29,540 | 120 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $29,510 | 380 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $29,430 | 230 |
| Evansville, IN | $29,390 | 340 |
| Columbus, IN | $28,960 | 80 |
| Kokomo, IN | $28,750 | 50 |
| Muncie, IN | $27,770 | 80 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $27,280 | 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 |
Related jobs in Indiana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $45,270 | $21.76 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,180 | $14.51 |
| Recreation Worker | $30,190 | $14.52 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,680 | $13.31 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $32,830 | $15.78 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Gambling Dealer | $24,160 | $11.61 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,440 | $13.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,560 | $22.39 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,850 | $18.68 |
| Skincare Specialist | $44,450 | $21.37 |
| Funeral Attendant | $34,420 | $16.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $61,680 | $29.65 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Indiana
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 Indiana?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Indiana is $29,990 a year, or $14.42 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Indiana?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Indiana earn at least $43,270 a year. The top 25% earn $35,420 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Indiana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,440 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $26,540 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Indiana?
About 6,420 animal caretakers are employed in Indiana, not counting the self-employed.