Animal Caretaker salary in Bowling Green, KY
Animal Caretakers in the Bowling Green, KY metro area earn a median of $29,510 a year ($14.19 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,480 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 4% lower than the Kentucky statewide median of $30,720. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $31,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Bowling Green, KY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,800 | $11.44 |
| 25th percentile | $28,450 | $13.68 |
| Median | $29,510 | $14.19 |
| 75th percentile | $33,280 | $16.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| Average (mean) | $31,100 | $14.95 |
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 | $2,459.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,229.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,135 |
| Weekly | $567.50 |
| Hourly | $14.19 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,510 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $34,590 | 2,400 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $31,200 | 60 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $31,170 | 180 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,830 | 1,640 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,540 | 2,320 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $29,730 | 120 |
| Owensboro, KY | $29,070 | 70 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $28,060 | 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 Kentucky statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bowling Green, KY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $29,180 | $14.03 |
| Childcare Worker | $24,960 | $12.00 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $23,300 | $11.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,930 | $22.08 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $28,580 | $13.74 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $40,330 | $19.39 |
| Residential Advisor | $32,650 | $15.70 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,140 | $10.65 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,090 | $18.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,600 | $20.00 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Bowling Green, KY
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 Bowling Green, KY?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Bowling Green, KY metro area is $29,510 a year, or $14.19 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Bowling Green, KY?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Bowling Green, KY metro area earn at least $38,480 a year. The top 25% earn $33,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Bowling Green, KY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,800 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,450 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Bowling Green, KY?
About 160 animal caretakers are employed in the Bowling Green, KY metro area, not counting the self-employed.