Animal Caretaker salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Animal Caretakers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $37,640 a year ($18.10 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,560 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,300 for the top 10%. That is 6% higher than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 1% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $37,430. 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 $41,660, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,580 | $17.11 |
| 25th percentile | $36,390 | $17.49 |
| Median | $37,640 | $18.10 |
| 75th percentile | $44,240 | $21.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $55,300 | $26.59 |
| Average (mean) | $41,660 | $20.03 |
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 | $3,136.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,568.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,447.69 |
| Weekly | $723.85 |
| Hourly | $18.10 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $37,640 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $37,720 | 490 |
| 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $44,160 | $21.23 |
| Childcare Worker | $44,320 | $21.31 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $50,580 | $24.32 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $36,240 | $17.42 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,530 | $17.56 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,640 | $19.06 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,390 | $17.98 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $57,660 | $27.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $57,190 | $27.49 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $35,590 | $17.11 |
| Gambling Dealer | $30,800 | $14.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $37,640 a year, or $18.10 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $55,300 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $55,300 a year. The top 25% earn $44,240 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,580 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $36,390 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 3,560 animal caretakers are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.