Animal Caretaker salary in Alabama
Animal Caretakers in Alabama earn a median of $28,330 a year ($13.62 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,100 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,860 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $35,360. Alabama ranks 49th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $31,300, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Alabama
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,740 | $10.45 |
| 25th percentile | $23,920 | $11.50 |
| Median | $28,330 | $13.62 |
| 75th percentile | $34,280 | $16.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,860 | $22.05 |
| Average (mean) | $31,300 | $15.05 |
Half of animal caretakers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,360.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,180.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,089.62 |
| Weekly | $544.81 |
| Hourly | $13.62 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $28,330 salary, see how much house you can afford in Alabama at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Alabama
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $29,480 | 330 |
| Huntsville, AL | $29,110 | 480 |
| Birmingham, AL | $28,710 | 1,400 |
| Decatur, AL | $28,650 | 90 |
| Mobile, AL | $28,560 | 310 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $27,690 | 260 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $27,650 | 130 |
| Montgomery, AL | $27,410 | 260 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $27,390 | 200 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $26,910 | 130 |
| Dothan, AL | $26,730 | 150 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | $23,700 | 60 |
| Gadsden, AL | $23,590 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,210 |
| Washington | $40,570 |
| Hawaii | $40,130 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 |
| California | $38,700 |
| Arizona | $38,180 |
| New York | $37,840 |
| Colorado | $37,430 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 |
| Maine | $37,230 |
Related jobs in Alabama
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $55,700 | $26.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $23,210 | $11.16 |
| Recreation Worker | $28,360 | $13.64 |
| Childcare Worker | $22,720 | $10.92 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,150 | $14.02 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $39,180 | $18.84 |
| Residential Advisor | $27,650 | $13.29 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,460 | $20.90 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $40,810 | $19.62 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $30,300 | $14.57 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,360 | $10.75 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| Funeral Attendant | $30,310 | $14.57 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $44,930 | $21.60 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Alabama
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal caretaker make in Alabama?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Alabama is $28,330 a year, or $13.62 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,860 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Alabama?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Alabama earn at least $45,860 a year. The top 25% earn $34,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Alabama?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,740 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $23,920 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Alabama?
About 4,100 animal caretakers are employed in Alabama, not counting the self-employed.