Animal Caretakers Salary in South Bend, IN-MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI

Median annual salary $29,180 -12.8% vs national
Median hourly $14.03
10th percentile $21,840
90th percentile $44,460
Employed locally 220
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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South Bend, IN-MI
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $21,840
    25th
    $26,830
    50th (median)
    $29,180
    75th
    $34,100
    90th
    $44,460

    South Bend economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $65,385 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 45% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 55% 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
    Washington $38,400
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,990
    Salinas, CA $37,920
    Bellingham, WA $36,890
    Burlington-South Burlington, VT $36,780
    Maine $36,310

    Related occupations in South Bend, IN-MI

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $29,140
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $29,630
    Recreation Workers $34,410
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,650
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,340
    Residential Advisors $37,560

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in South Bend?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in South Bend, IN-MI is $14.03, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.33 or more per hour.

    Is South Bend above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in South Bend, IN-MI is 12.8% 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 South Bend?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $21,840 per year in South Bend, IN-MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,830.