Animal Caretaker salary in North Dakota
Animal Caretakers in North Dakota earn a median of $34,040 a year ($16.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 770 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,170 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $35,360. North Dakota ranks 24th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.8 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $39,460, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in North Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,960 | $14.40 |
| 25th percentile | $31,050 | $14.93 |
| Median | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| 75th percentile | $38,640 | $18.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,170 | $29.89 |
| Average (mean) | $39,460 | $18.97 |
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 | $2,836.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,418.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,309.23 |
| Weekly | $654.62 |
| Hourly | $16.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $34,040 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in North Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minot, ND | $35,780 | 50 |
| Bismarck, ND | $34,230 | 170 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $34,040 | 390 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $33,410 | 120 |
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 North Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $38,970 | $18.73 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,290 | $14.56 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,070 | $13.49 |
| Gambling Dealer | $27,370 | $13.16 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,850 | $16.76 |
| Recreation Worker | $37,310 | $17.94 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $37,760 | $18.15 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $50,390 | $24.23 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $33,430 | $16.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $49,900 | $23.99 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,840 | $13.39 |
| Skincare Specialist | $58,160 | $27.96 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $34,430 | $16.55 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in North Dakota
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 North Dakota?
The median salary for animal caretakers in North Dakota is $34,040 a year, or $16.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,170 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in North Dakota?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in North Dakota earn at least $62,170 a year. The top 25% earn $38,640 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in North Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,960 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $31,050 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in North Dakota?
About 770 animal caretakers are employed in North Dakota, not counting the self-employed.