Animal Caretaker salary in Springfield, MO
Animal Caretakers in the Springfield, MO metro area earn a median of $29,390 a year ($14.13 an hour), based on BLS data for 440 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,680 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 6% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $31,230. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,850, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Springfield, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $28,700 | $13.80 |
| Median | $29,390 | $14.13 |
| 75th percentile | $36,010 | $17.31 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,680 | $21.48 |
| Average (mean) | $33,850 | $16.27 |
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 | $2,449.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,224.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,130.38 |
| Weekly | $565.19 |
| Hourly | $14.13 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Caretaker salary in other metro areas nearby
| 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 |
| 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 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Springfield, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,610 | $14.23 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,500 | $14.18 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,740 | $16.70 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $35,240 | $16.94 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,750 | $13.82 |
| Residential Advisor | $52,730 | $25.35 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $38,060 | $18.30 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,810 | $20.58 |
| Skincare Specialist | $44,620 | $21.45 |
| Barber | $56,580 | $27.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,470 | $22.34 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $35,310 | $16.98 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $34,300 | $16.49 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Springfield, MO
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 Springfield, MO?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Springfield, MO metro area is $29,390 a year, or $14.13 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,680 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Springfield, MO?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Springfield, MO metro area earn at least $44,680 a year. The top 25% earn $36,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Springfield, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,600 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,700 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Springfield, MO?
About 440 animal caretakers are employed in the Springfield, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.