Animal Caretakers Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $43,670 +30.5% vs national
Median hourly $20.99
10th percentile $38,610
90th percentile $59,110
Employed locally 1,180
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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San Jose, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,610
    25th
    $40,490
    50th (median)
    $43,670
    75th
    $47,110
    90th
    $59,110

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 28% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 72% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Animal Caretakers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    High Desert Utah nonmetropolitan area $49,980
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,590
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $39,460
    Napa, CA $38,770
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $38,420
    Washington $38,400

    Nearby metros — Animal Caretakers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,590
    Napa, CA $38,770
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $38,210
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,990
    Salinas, CA $37,920
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $37,650

    Related occupations in San Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $40,810
    Recreation Workers $54,990
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $59,360
    Childcare Workers $43,640
    Manicurists and Pedicurists $39,950
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $41,600

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in San Jose, CA is $20.99, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.68 or more per hour.

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

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in San Jose, CA is 30.5% 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 Jose?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $38,610 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,490.