Animal Caretaker salary in Kentucky
Animal Caretakers in Kentucky earn a median of $30,720 a year ($14.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,140 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,290 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $35,360. Kentucky ranks 34th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 3.1 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $34,070, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,600 | $10.86 |
| 25th percentile | $27,860 | $13.39 |
| Median | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| 75th percentile | $37,890 | $18.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,290 | $22.74 |
| Average (mean) | $34,070 | $16.38 |
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 | $2,560 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,280 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,181.54 |
| Weekly | $590.77 |
| Hourly | $14.77 |
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 Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $34,590 | 2,400 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $31,200 | 60 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $31,170 | 180 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,830 | 1,640 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,540 | 2,320 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $29,730 | 120 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $29,510 | 160 |
| Owensboro, KY | $29,070 | 70 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $28,060 | 180 |
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 Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $34,030 | $16.36 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,920 | $13.90 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,400 | $15.58 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,210 | $13.08 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,840 | $14.35 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,280 | $21.77 |
| Residential Advisor | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,930 | $12.46 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,490 | $19.95 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Funeral Attendant | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Kentucky is $30,720 a year, or $14.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Kentucky earn at least $47,290 a year. The top 25% earn $37,890 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,600 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $27,860 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Kentucky?
About 6,140 animal caretakers are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.