Animal Caretakers Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $29,290 -12.5% vs national
Median hourly $14.08
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $34,320
Employed locally 220
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $29,120
    50th (median)
    $29,290
    75th
    $33,390
    90th
    $34,320

    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

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $29,710
    Recreation Workers $31,200
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $29,360
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $31,050
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $31,500
    First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $42,840

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Northwest Illinois is $14.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.01 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Northwest Illinois 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 Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,120.