Animal Caretakers Salary in Southwest Missouri

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $27,100 -19% vs national
Median hourly $13.03
10th percentile $25,580
90th percentile $36,870
Employed locally 140
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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Southwest Missouri
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,580
    25th
    $26,260
    50th (median)
    $27,100
    75th
    $33,790
    90th
    $36,870

    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 Southwest Missouri

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $29,840
    Recreation Workers $30,860
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $26,380
    Childcare Workers $28,030
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $29,930
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $28,600

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Southwest Missouri?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Southwest Missouri is $13.03, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.56 or more per hour.

    Is Southwest Missouri above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Southwest Missouri is 19% 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 Southwest Missouri?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $25,580 per year in Southwest Missouri. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,260.