Animal Caretaker salary in Lawrence, KS
Animal Caretakers in the Lawrence, KS metro area earn a median of $28,660 a year ($13.78 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,980 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 4% lower than the Kansas statewide median of $29,830. 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 $32,960, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Lawrence, KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,390 | $10.76 |
| 25th percentile | $25,030 | $12.03 |
| Median | $28,660 | $13.78 |
| 75th percentile | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Average (mean) | $32,960 | $15.85 |
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 | $2,388.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,194.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,102.31 |
| Weekly | $551.15 |
| Hourly | $13.78 |
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 |
| Wichita, KS | $30,000 | 850 |
| Manhattan, KS | $29,880 | 90 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,830 | 80 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $28,610 | 130 |
| 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 Kansas statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lawrence, KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $34,560 | $16.62 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,090 | $13.99 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,020 | $12.51 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,760 | $15.27 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $28,470 | $13.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,180 | $17.39 |
| Residential Advisor | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,310 | $24.19 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence, KS?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Lawrence, KS metro area is $28,660 a year, or $13.78 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,980 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Lawrence, KS?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Lawrence, KS metro area earn at least $47,980 a year. The top 25% earn $38,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Lawrence, KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,390 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $25,030 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Lawrence, KS?
About 160 animal caretakers are employed in the Lawrence, KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.