Animal Caretaker salary in Topeka, KS
Animal Caretakers in the Topeka, KS metro area earn a median of $25,630 a year ($12.32 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $20,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,650 for the top 10%. That is 28% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 14% lower than the Kansas statewide median of $29,830. There are 1.8 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $28,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Topeka, KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $20,470 | $9.84 |
| 25th percentile | $22,900 | $11.01 |
| Median | $25,630 | $12.32 |
| 75th percentile | $30,520 | $14.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,650 | $17.62 |
| Average (mean) | $28,160 | $13.54 |
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 | $2,135.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,067.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $985.77 |
| Weekly | $492.88 |
| Hourly | $12.32 |
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 |
| Wichita, KS | $30,000 | 850 |
| Manhattan, KS | $29,880 | 90 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,830 | 80 |
| Lawrence, KS | $28,660 | 160 |
| 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 Kansas statewide figures.
Related jobs in Topeka, KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $32,790 | $15.76 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $33,490 | $16.10 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,410 | $12.70 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,040 | $14.93 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,330 | $22.28 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,370 | $17.00 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,900 | $16.78 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,940 | $12.95 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,580 | $22.88 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $49,780 | $23.93 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Topeka, KS
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 Topeka, KS?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Topeka, KS metro area is $25,630 a year, or $12.32 an hour. Pay ranges from $20,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,650 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Topeka, KS?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Topeka, KS metro area earn at least $36,650 a year. The top 25% earn $30,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Topeka, KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $20,470 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $22,900 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Topeka, KS?
About 210 animal caretakers are employed in the Topeka, KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.