Animal Caretaker salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Animal Caretakers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $32,150 a year ($15.46 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,470 workers.
Pay ranges from $25,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,100 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 3% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $31,230. 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 $36,050, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $25,360 | $12.19 |
| 25th percentile | $29,410 | $14.14 |
| Median | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| 75th percentile | $38,150 | $18.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,100 | $23.61 |
| Average (mean) | $36,050 | $17.33 |
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 | $2,679.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,339.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,236.54 |
| Weekly | $618.27 |
| Hourly | $15.46 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $32,150 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri 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 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $31,530 | 3,100 |
| Wichita, KS | $30,000 | 850 |
| Columbia, MO | $29,950 | 280 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $29,890 | 120 |
| Manhattan, KS | $29,880 | 90 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,830 | 80 |
| Springfield, MO | $29,390 | 440 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $29,280 | 100 |
| Lawrence, KS | $28,660 | 160 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $28,610 | 130 |
| Topeka, KS | $25,630 | 210 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $35,950 | $17.28 |
| Childcare Worker | $31,770 | $15.27 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,680 | $13.79 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,550 | $18.54 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,520 | $15.15 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,180 | $17.40 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,480 | $15.62 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,200 | $22.69 |
| Skincare Specialist | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,090 | $22.16 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,340 | $16.03 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $46,270 | $22.24 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kansas City, MO-KS
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 Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area is $32,150 a year, or $15.46 an hour. Pay ranges from $25,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,100 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn at least $49,100 a year. The top 25% earn $38,150 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $25,360 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $29,410 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Kansas City, MO-KS?
About 2,470 animal caretakers are employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.