Animal Caretaker salary in Lincoln, NE
Animal Caretakers in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn a median of $30,940 a year ($14.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 420 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,460 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 2% lower than the Nebraska statewide median of $31,680. There are 2.3 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $34,950, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Lincoln, NE
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| 25th percentile | $28,660 | $13.78 |
| Median | $30,940 | $14.88 |
| 75th percentile | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,460 | $23.30 |
| Average (mean) | $34,950 | $16.80 |
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 | $2,578.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,289.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,190 |
| Weekly | $595 |
| Hourly | $14.88 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,940 salary, see how much house you can afford in Nebraska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $32,980 | 1,280 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,880 | 130 |
| Grand Island, NE | $28,990 | 40 |
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 Nebraska statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lincoln, NE
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,860 | $14.35 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,110 | $14.48 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,990 | $17.79 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,000 | $15.38 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,440 | $14.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,770 | $22.96 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,350 | $23.73 |
| Skincare Specialist | $61,560 | $29.59 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| Funeral Attendant | $28,420 | $13.66 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $63,130 | $30.35 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $28,080 | $13.50 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Lincoln, NE
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 Lincoln, NE?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Lincoln, NE metro area is $30,940 a year, or $14.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,460 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Lincoln, NE?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn at least $48,460 a year. The top 25% earn $36,150 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Lincoln, NE?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,080 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,660 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Lincoln, NE?
About 420 animal caretakers are employed in the Lincoln, NE metro area, not counting the self-employed.