Animal Caretakers Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $30,070 -10.2% vs national
Median hourly $14.46
10th percentile $22,360
90th percentile $44,690
Employed locally 950
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,360
    25th
    $24,360
    50th (median)
    $30,070
    75th
    $34,580
    90th
    $44,690

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 36% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 64% 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
    Ames, IA $37,050

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers$30,560
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$27,320
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$37,060
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$38,060
    Recreation Workers$33,140
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$25,700

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Des Moines, IA is $14.46, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.82 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Des Moines, IA is 10.2% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $22,360 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $24,360.