Animal Caretakers Salary in San Francisco, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $42,590 +27.2% vs national
Median hourly $20.48
10th percentile $37,330
90th percentile $55,650
Employed locally 3,520
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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San Francisco, CA
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    In San Francisco, CA, animal caretakers earn a median annual salary of $42,590, which is notably higher than the national median for this occupation at $33,470. This indicates that workers in this field can expect to make approximately $9,120 more per year compared to their counterparts nationally. When compared to the local area's median household income of $133,780, animal caretakers' earnings represent roughly 31.8% of a typical household's income. This suggests that while animal caretakers earn above the national average for their profession, their salaries are still significantly below the median income level for households in San Francisco.

    Entry-level animal caretakers in San Francisco generally find themselves earning closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, with earnings around the 10th percentile mark at $37,330 annually. In contrast, experienced workers who have developed specialized skills or taken on more responsibilities can earn as much as $55,650, near the 90th percentile. The disparity in pay between entry-level and seasoned professionals is driven by factors such as tenure, level of responsibility, specialization within animal care, and the ability to manage larger or more complex environments. Additionally, those with advanced certifications or who work in specialty facilities may command higher wages, reflecting the market demand for skilled and experienced caretakers in a competitive labor environment.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,330
    25th
    $39,390
    50th (median)
    $42,590
    75th
    $46,100
    90th
    $55,650

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 32% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 68% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in San Francisco?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in San Francisco, CA is $20.48, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.25 or more per hour.

    Is San Francisco above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in San Francisco, CA is 27.2% above 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 San Francisco?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $37,330 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,390.