Animal Caretaker salary in Grand Junction, CO
Animal Caretakers in the Grand Junction, CO metro area earn a median of $34,270 a year ($16.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,980 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 8% lower than the Colorado statewide median of $37,430. There are 2.3 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $37,030, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Grand Junction, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,800 | $14.81 |
| 25th percentile | $30,800 | $14.81 |
| Median | $34,270 | $16.48 |
| 75th percentile | $39,520 | $19.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Average (mean) | $37,030 | $17.80 |
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 | $2,855.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,427.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,318.08 |
| Weekly | $659.04 |
| Hourly | $16.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $34,270 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 |
| 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 |
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 Grand Junction, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $35,390 | $17.02 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,350 | $16.52 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,080 | $14.94 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,500 | $17.55 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $39,770 | $19.12 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $53,370 | $25.66 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,270 | $23.21 |
| Skincare Specialist | $48,880 | $23.50 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $42,050 | $20.22 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,750 | $17.19 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $39,770 | $19.12 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,910 | $20.15 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Grand Junction, 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 Grand Junction, CO?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Grand Junction, CO metro area is $34,270 a year, or $16.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,980 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Grand Junction, CO?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Grand Junction, CO metro area earn at least $47,980 a year. The top 25% earn $39,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Grand Junction, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,800 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $30,800 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Grand Junction, CO?
About 150 animal caretakers are employed in the Grand Junction, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.