Animal Caretaker salary in Tennessee
Animal Caretakers in Tennessee earn a median of $30,550 a year ($14.69 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,110 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,020 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $35,360. Tennessee ranks 35th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $34,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,980 | $11.53 |
| 25th percentile | $28,110 | $13.52 |
| Median | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| 75th percentile | $36,170 | $17.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,020 | $22.60 |
| Average (mean) | $34,110 | $16.40 |
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 | $2,545.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,272.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,175 |
| Weekly | $587.50 |
| Hourly | $14.69 |
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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $32,810 | 2,300 |
| Knoxville, TN | $32,390 | 840 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $31,170 | 180 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $31,070 | 850 |
| Jackson, TN | $30,890 | 110 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $30,320 | 560 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $29,290 | 150 |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,770 | 120 |
| Johnson City, TN | $28,430 | 180 |
| Morristown, TN | $27,850 | 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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $35,320 | $16.98 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $15.05 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | $16.74 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,040 | $21.17 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Tennessee is $30,550 a year, or $14.69 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Tennessee earn at least $47,020 a year. The top 25% earn $36,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,980 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,110 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Tennessee?
About 6,110 animal caretakers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.