Animal Caretaker salary in Knoxville, TN
Animal Caretakers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $32,390 a year ($15.57 an hour), based on BLS data for 840 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,880 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 6% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $30,550. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $35,690, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,960 | $12.00 |
| 25th percentile | $28,820 | $13.86 |
| Median | $32,390 | $15.57 |
| 75th percentile | $36,500 | $17.55 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,880 | $24.46 |
| Average (mean) | $35,690 | $17.16 |
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 | $2,699.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,349.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,245.77 |
| Weekly | $622.88 |
| Hourly | $15.57 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $32,390 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 |
| 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 |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,770 | 120 |
| 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 Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,590 | $14.23 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,650 | $14.74 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,280 | $13.12 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,850 | $16.76 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,990 | $21.15 |
| Skincare Specialist | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,950 | $16.80 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,560 | $14.21 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $34,700 | $16.69 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| Concierge | $33,310 | $16.01 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $32,390 a year, or $15.57 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,960 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,880 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $50,880 a year. The top 25% earn $36,500 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,960 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,820 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Knoxville, TN?
About 840 animal caretakers are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.