Animal Caretakers Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $37,150 +11% vs national
Median hourly $17.86
10th percentile $34,810
90th percentile $47,580
Employed locally 290
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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San Luis Obispo, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,810
    25th
    $36,070
    50th (median)
    $37,150
    75th
    $38,730
    90th
    $47,580

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 40% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 60% 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
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,670
    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

    Related occupations in San Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $34,640
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $55,880
    Recreation Workers $35,140
    Childcare Workers $36,870
    Tour and Travel Guides $50,660
    Manicurists and Pedicurists $35,130

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in San Luis Obispo?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in San Luis Obispo, CA is $17.86, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.61 or more per hour.

    Is San Luis Obispo above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is 11% 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 Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $34,810 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,070.