Animal Caretaker salary in Maryland
Animal Caretakers in Maryland earn a median of $36,780 a year ($17.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,570 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,730 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $35,360. Maryland ranks 12th 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 $41,820, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Maryland
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,500 | $15.14 |
| 25th percentile | $34,450 | $16.56 |
| Median | $36,780 | $17.68 |
| 75th percentile | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,730 | $27.28 |
| Average (mean) | $41,820 | $20.11 |
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 | $3,065 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,532.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,414.62 |
| Weekly | $707.31 |
| Hourly | $17.68 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $36,780 salary, see how much house you can afford in Maryland at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Maryland
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $37,710 | 6,590 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $35,420 | 2,620 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,970 | 5,480 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $34,400 | 210 |
| Salisbury, MD | $33,380 | 110 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $32,720 | 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 Maryland
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| Childcare Worker | $36,030 | $17.32 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $36,710 | $17.65 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,420 | $22.80 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,420 | $17.51 |
| Recreation Worker | $37,200 | $17.89 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $51,510 | $24.77 |
| Residential Advisor | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,300 | $17.93 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| Gambling Dealer | $31,740 | $15.26 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $34,020 | $16.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,510 | $23.80 |
| Concierge | $39,950 | $19.21 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Maryland
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 Maryland?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Maryland is $36,780 a year, or $17.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Maryland?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Maryland earn at least $56,730 a year. The top 25% earn $46,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Maryland?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,500 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $34,450 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Maryland?
About 5,570 animal caretakers are employed in Maryland, not counting the self-employed.