Animal Caretakers Salary in Waterloo, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

Median annual salary $22,610 -32.4% vs national
Median hourly $10.87
10th percentile $21,360
90th percentile $34,080
Employed locally 420
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
in
Waterloo, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $21,360
    25th
    $22,610
    50th (median)
    $22,610
    75th
    $29,200
    90th
    $34,080

    Waterloo economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,916 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 33% Median Animal Caretakers salary is 67% 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
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,990
    District of Columbia $37,980
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,380
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,280
    California $37,200
    Ames, IA $37,050

    Related occupations in Waterloo, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $27,380
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $25,060
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $45,570
    Recreation Workers $29,260
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,130
    Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $36,030

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in Waterloo?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Waterloo, IA is $10.87, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.83 or more per hour.

    Is Waterloo above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Waterloo, IA is 32.4% 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 Waterloo?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $21,360 per year in Waterloo, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $22,610.