Animal Caretaker salary in New Jersey
Animal Caretakers in New Jersey earn a median of $35,850 a year ($17.24 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,890 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,620 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $35,360. New Jersey ranks 17th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.80). The average (mean) salary is $39,940, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in New Jersey
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,220 | $15.49 |
| 25th percentile | $34,110 | $16.40 |
| Median | $35,850 | $17.24 |
| 75th percentile | $42,340 | $20.35 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,620 | $23.86 |
| Average (mean) | $39,940 | $19.20 |
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 | $2,987.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,493.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,378.85 |
| Weekly | $689.42 |
| Hourly | $17.24 |
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 New Jersey
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $37,900 | 11,430 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $37,490 | 260 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $35,170 | 280 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,970 | 5,480 |
| Vineland, NJ | $33,760 | 90 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $32,220 | 700 |
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 New Jersey
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $46,690 | $22.45 |
| Childcare Worker | $36,390 | $17.49 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,500 | $16.59 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,370 | $17.49 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $59,870 | $28.79 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,880 | $17.73 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $54,330 | $26.12 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $52,360 | $25.17 |
| Gambling Dealer | $33,000 | $15.87 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,870 | $22.06 |
| Concierge | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Residential Advisor | $43,880 | $21.10 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in New Jersey
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 New Jersey?
The median salary for animal caretakers in New Jersey is $35,850 a year, or $17.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,620 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in New Jersey?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in New Jersey earn at least $49,620 a year. The top 25% earn $42,340 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in New Jersey?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,220 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $34,110 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in New Jersey?
About 5,890 animal caretakers are employed in New Jersey, not counting the self-employed.