Animal Caretaker salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Animal Caretakers in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area earn a median of $35,420 a year ($17.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,620 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,120 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 4% lower than the Maryland statewide median of $36,780. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $40,830, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,500 | $15.15 |
| 25th percentile | $34,130 | $16.41 |
| Median | $35,420 | $17.03 |
| 75th percentile | $46,670 | $22.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $55,120 | $26.50 |
| Average (mean) | $40,830 | $19.63 |
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 | $2,951.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,475.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,362.31 |
| Weekly | $681.15 |
| Hourly | $17.03 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $35,420 salary, see how much house you can afford in Maryland at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $37,710 | 6,590 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,970 | 5,480 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $34,400 | 210 |
| Salisbury, MD | $33,380 | 110 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $32,720 | 180 |
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 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the Maryland statewide figures.
Related jobs in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $34,620 | $16.64 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,140 | $22.66 |
| Childcare Worker | $34,860 | $16.76 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,200 | $15.96 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,370 | $17.49 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,780 | $17.20 |
| Residential Advisor | $45,400 | $21.83 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,430 | $17.99 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,810 | $24.43 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,590 | $18.07 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| Skincare Specialist | $58,930 | $28.33 |
| Concierge | $39,670 | $19.07 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area is $35,420 a year, or $17.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area earn at least $55,120 a year. The top 25% earn $46,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,500 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $34,130 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
About 2,620 animal caretakers are employed in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area, not counting the self-employed.