Animal Caretaker salary in Montana
Animal Caretakers in Montana earn a median of $34,210 a year ($16.45 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,200 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,080 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $35,360. Montana ranks 22nd of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $36,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,170 | $12.58 |
| 25th percentile | $29,600 | $14.23 |
| Median | $34,210 | $16.45 |
| 75th percentile | $39,130 | $18.81 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,080 | $23.59 |
| Average (mean) | $36,170 | $17.39 |
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 | $2,850.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,425.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,315.77 |
| Weekly | $657.88 |
| Hourly | $16.45 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $34,210 salary, see how much house you can afford in Montana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Montana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $37,580 | 190 |
| Billings, MT | $34,890 | 220 |
| Missoula, MT | $33,760 | 150 |
| Great Falls, MT | $31,910 | 100 |
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 Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $44,680 | $21.48 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,120 | $16.89 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,710 | $14.28 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,940 | $21.13 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $22,030 | $10.59 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $23,400 | $11.25 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,230 | $22.71 |
| Skincare Specialist | $58,500 | $28.13 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Montana
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 Montana?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Montana is $34,210 a year, or $16.45 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,080 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Montana?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Montana earn at least $49,080 a year. The top 25% earn $39,130 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,170 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $29,600 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Montana?
About 1,200 animal caretakers are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.