Animal Caretaker salary in Minnesota
Animal Caretakers in Minnesota earn a median of $36,430 a year ($17.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,250 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,050 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $35,360. Minnesota ranks 15th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $38,320, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Minnesota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,440 | $14.16 |
| 25th percentile | $31,710 | $15.25 |
| Median | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| 75th percentile | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,050 | $23.10 |
| Average (mean) | $38,320 | $18.43 |
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 | $3,035.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,517.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,401.15 |
| Weekly | $700.58 |
| Hourly | $17.51 |
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 Minnesota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN | $37,850 | 250 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $36,780 | 2,760 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $35,390 | 140 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $34,900 | 180 |
| Mankato, MN | $34,320 | 50 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $34,300 | 420 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $34,040 | 390 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $33,410 | 120 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $28,780 | 230 |
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 Minnesota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $41,690 | $20.04 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| Recreation Worker | $37,510 | $18.03 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,830 | $14.82 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,620 | $20.97 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,170 | $18.83 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,770 | $23.45 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,040 | $17.33 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $31,540 | $15.16 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $51,160 | $24.60 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,480 | $16.09 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,410 | $24.24 |
| Gambling Dealer | $27,190 | $13.07 |
| Skincare Specialist | $44,430 | $21.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Minnesota
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 Minnesota?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Minnesota is $36,430 a year, or $17.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Minnesota?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Minnesota earn at least $48,050 a year. The top 25% earn $41,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Minnesota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,440 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $31,710 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Minnesota?
About 4,250 animal caretakers are employed in Minnesota, not counting the self-employed.