Animal Caretaker salary in Arizona
Animal Caretakers in Arizona earn a median of $38,180 a year ($18.35 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,330 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,090 for the top 10%. That is 8% higher than the national median of $35,360. Arizona ranks 6th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Arizona
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,320 | $16.02 |
| 25th percentile | $35,890 | $17.25 |
| Median | $38,180 | $18.35 |
| 75th percentile | $47,080 | $22.64 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $68,090 | $32.74 |
| Average (mean) | $44,630 | $21.46 |
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 | $3,181.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,590.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,468.46 |
| Weekly | $734.23 |
| Hourly | $18.35 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,180 salary, see how much house you can afford in Arizona at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Arizona
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $39,030 | 4,480 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $38,180 | 150 |
| Tucson, AZ | $36,870 | 950 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $36,270 | 200 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $35,260 | 80 |
| Yuma, AZ | $35,110 | 100 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $34,290 | 130 |
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 Arizona
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $33,330 | $16.02 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,800 | $17.21 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,570 | $16.14 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,510 | $15.63 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $37,560 | $18.06 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,290 | $16.97 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,350 | $21.80 |
| Skincare Specialist | $50,470 | $24.27 |
| Gambling Dealer | $60,940 | $29.30 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,690 | $22.93 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,480 | $19.94 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Arizona
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 Arizona?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Arizona is $38,180 a year, or $18.35 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,090 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Arizona?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Arizona earn at least $68,090 a year. The top 25% earn $47,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Arizona?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,320 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $35,890 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Arizona?
About 6,330 animal caretakers are employed in Arizona, not counting the self-employed.