Animal Caretaker salary in Joplin, MO-KS
Animal Caretakers in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $28,610 a year ($13.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 130 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,450 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 8% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $31,230. There are 1.5 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $32,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Joplin, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Median | $28,610 | $13.76 |
| 75th percentile | $31,540 | $15.16 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Average (mean) | $32,000 | $15.38 |
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 | $2,384.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,192.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,100.38 |
| Weekly | $550.19 |
| Hourly | $13.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $28,610 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 |
| Wichita, KS | $30,000 | 850 |
| Columbia, MO | $29,950 | 280 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $29,890 | 120 |
| Manhattan, KS | $29,880 | 90 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,830 | 80 |
| Springfield, MO | $29,390 | 440 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $29,280 | 100 |
| Lawrence, KS | $28,660 | 160 |
| Topeka, KS | $25,630 | 210 |
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 Joplin, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $29,880 | $14.36 |
| Recreation Worker | $30,190 | $14.51 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Residential Advisor | $28,960 | $13.92 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Joplin, MO-KS
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 Joplin, MO-KS?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area is $28,610 a year, or $13.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Joplin, MO-KS?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area earn at least $36,450 a year. The top 25% earn $31,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Joplin, MO-KS?
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 Joplin, MO-KS?
About 130 animal caretakers are employed in the Joplin, MO-KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.