Animal Caretakers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Fort Smith, AR-OK

Median annual salary $29,280 -12.5% vs national
Median hourly $14.08
10th percentile $23,900
90th percentile $47,510
Employed locally 120
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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Fort Smith, AR-OK
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,900
    25th
    $27,300
    50th (median)
    $29,280
    75th
    $34,420
    90th
    $47,510

    Fort Smith economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $56,717 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
    High Desert Utah nonmetropolitan area $49,980
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,670
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,990
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,380
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,280
    Barnstable Town, MA $37,280

    Related occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $25,210
    Recreation Workers $24,570
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $24,960
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $26,110
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,730
    Residential Advisors $36,690

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Fort Smith?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $14.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.31 or more per hour.

    Is Fort Smith above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 12.5% 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 Fort Smith?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $23,900 per year in Fort Smith, AR-OK. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,300.