Animal Caretaker salary in Missouri
Animal Caretakers in Missouri earn a median of $31,230 a year ($15.02 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,820 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,930 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $35,360. Missouri ranks 32nd 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 $34,500, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $29,300 | $14.09 |
| Median | $31,230 | $15.02 |
| 75th percentile | $35,500 | $17.07 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,930 | $21.60 |
| Average (mean) | $34,500 | $16.59 |
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 | $2,602.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,301.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,201.15 |
| Weekly | $600.58 |
| Hourly | $15.02 |
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 Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $32,150 | 2,470 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $31,530 | 3,100 |
| Columbia, MO | $29,950 | 280 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $29,890 | 120 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,830 | 80 |
| Springfield, MO | $29,390 | 440 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $29,280 | 100 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $28,610 | 130 |
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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $34,010 | $16.35 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,790 | $14.80 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,750 | $14.78 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,350 | $15.55 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,980 | $15.38 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Gambling Dealer | $28,600 | $13.75 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Missouri is $31,230 a year, or $15.02 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Missouri earn at least $44,930 a year. The top 25% earn $35,500 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,600 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $29,300 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Missouri?
About 5,820 animal caretakers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.