Animal Caretaker salary in Colorado
Animal Caretakers in Colorado earn a median of $37,430 a year ($18.00 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,290 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,300 for the top 10%. That is 6% higher than the national median of $35,360. Colorado ranks 8th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.2 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $41,010, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,070 | $15.42 |
| 25th percentile | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| Median | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| 75th percentile | $43,850 | $21.08 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $55,300 | $26.59 |
| Average (mean) | $41,010 | $19.72 |
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 | $3,119.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,559.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,439.62 |
| Weekly | $719.81 |
| Hourly | $18.00 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $37,430 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 cities in Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $37,720 | 490 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $44,290 | $21.29 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,750 | $19.59 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $49,900 | $23.99 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,690 | $18.12 |
| Recreation Worker | $38,820 | $18.67 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $58,640 | $28.19 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $42,840 | $20.59 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Gambling Dealer | $30,800 | $14.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
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 Colorado?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Colorado is $37,430 a year, or $18.00 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,300 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Colorado?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Colorado earn at least $55,300 a year. The top 25% earn $43,850 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,070 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $35,670 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Colorado?
About 6,290 animal caretakers are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.