Animal Caretaker salary in Cleveland, TN
Animal Caretakers in the Cleveland, TN metro area earn a median of $28,770 a year ($13.83 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,020 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 6% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $30,550. There are 2.8 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $30,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Cleveland, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,480 | $10.81 |
| 25th percentile | $23,910 | $11.49 |
| Median | $28,770 | $13.83 |
| 75th percentile | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $41,020 | $19.72 |
| Average (mean) | $30,230 | $14.53 |
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 | $2,397.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,198.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,106.54 |
| Weekly | $553.27 |
| Hourly | $13.83 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $28,770 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $32,810 | 2,300 |
| Knoxville, TN | $32,390 | 840 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $31,170 | 180 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $31,070 | 850 |
| Jackson, TN | $30,890 | 110 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $30,320 | 560 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $29,290 | 150 |
| Johnson City, TN | $28,430 | 180 |
| Morristown, TN | $27,850 | 100 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cleveland, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $28,510 | $13.71 |
| Recreation Worker | $23,010 | $11.06 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,850 | $12.91 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,250 | $21.75 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| Residential Advisor | $32,830 | $15.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,350 | $22.28 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Cleveland, TN
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 Cleveland, TN?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Cleveland, TN metro area is $28,770 a year, or $13.83 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Cleveland, TN?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Cleveland, TN metro area earn at least $41,020 a year. The top 25% earn $32,240 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Cleveland, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,480 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $23,910 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Cleveland, TN?
About 120 animal caretakers are employed in the Cleveland, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.