Animal Caretakers Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $37,050 +10.7% vs national
Median hourly $17.81
10th percentile $22,330
90th percentile $54,890
Employed locally 220
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,330
    25th
    $30,310
    50th (median)
    $37,050
    75th
    $47,850
    90th
    $54,890

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 52% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 48% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Animal Caretakers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    High Desert Utah nonmetropolitan area $49,980
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,670
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,590
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $39,460
    Napa, CA $38,770
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $38,420

    Nearby metros — Animal Caretakers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,990
    District of Columbia $37,980
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,380
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,280
    California $37,200
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $36,930

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Recreation Workers $29,710
    Childcare Workers $27,580
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $37,400
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $32,930
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $25,550
    Residential Advisors $44,660

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Ames, IA is $17.81, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.93 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Ames, IA is 10.7% above the national median of $33,470. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Animal Caretakers in Ames?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $22,330 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,310.