Animal Caretakers Salary in Columbia, MO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, MO

Median annual salary $28,700 -14.3% vs national
Median hourly $13.80
10th percentile $26,310
90th percentile $38,740
Employed locally 270
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
in
Columbia, MO
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,310
    25th
    $27,230
    50th (median)
    $28,700
    75th
    $34,540
    90th
    $38,740

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,463 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 41% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 59% 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
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,590
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,990
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $37,600
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,280
    Modesto, CA $36,400
    Vermont $35,600

    Related occupations in Columbia, MO

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $28,590
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $35,860
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $28,990
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $28,640
    Recreation Workers $34,460
    Residential Advisors $38,830

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Columbia, MO is $13.80, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.85 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Columbia, MO is 14.3% below 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 Columbia?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $26,310 per year in Columbia, MO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,230.