Animal Caretaker salary in Boulder, CO
Animal Caretakers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $37,720 a year ($18.13 an hour), based on BLS data for 490 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,050 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 1% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $37,430. There are 2.5 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $42,340, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,510 | $17.07 |
| 25th percentile | $36,800 | $17.69 |
| Median | $37,720 | $18.13 |
| 75th percentile | $43,440 | $20.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,050 | $28.87 |
| Average (mean) | $42,340 | $20.36 |
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 | $3,143.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,571.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,450.77 |
| Weekly | $725.38 |
| Hourly | $18.13 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $37,720 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $37,640 | 3,560 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $35,860 | 350 |
| Greeley, CO | $35,760 | 280 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $35,220 | 770 |
| Pueblo, CO | $34,570 | 110 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $34,270 | 150 |
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 Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $51,820 | $24.92 |
| Childcare Worker | $43,380 | $20.86 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,140 | $17.86 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $48,120 | $23.13 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,260 | $18.87 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $57,130 | $27.47 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,440 | $26.17 |
| Residential Advisor | $45,290 | $21.77 |
| Concierge | $40,140 | $19.30 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
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 Boulder, CO?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Boulder, CO metro area is $37,720 a year, or $18.13 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $60,050 a year. The top 25% earn $43,440 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,510 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $36,800 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Boulder, CO?
About 490 animal caretakers are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.