Animal Caretakers Salary in Lakeland, FL

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL

Median annual salary $29,220 -12.7% vs national
Median hourly $14.05
10th percentile $25,960
90th percentile $47,300
Employed locally 360
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
in
Lakeland, FL
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,960
    25th
    $27,580
    50th (median)
    $29,220
    75th
    $34,750
    90th
    $47,300

    Lakeland economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $63,644 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 46% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 54% 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
    Flagstaff, AZ $36,550
    South Florida nonmetropolitan area $33,240
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $33,130
    Naples-Marco Island, FL $33,100
    Ocala, FL $30,890
    North Florida nonmetropolitan area $30,740

    Related occupations in Lakeland, FL

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,500
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $28,200
    Childcare Workers $29,130
    Recreation Workers $33,470
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,320
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $27,200

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Lakeland?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Lakeland, FL is $14.05, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.68 or more per hour.

    Is Lakeland above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Lakeland, FL is 12.7% 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 Lakeland?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $25,960 per year in Lakeland, FL. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,580.