Animal Caretaker salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Animal Caretakers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn a median of $30,670 a year ($14.75 an hour), based on BLS data for 390 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,220 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 1% higher than the Michigan statewide median of $30,320. There are 1.8 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $34,120, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,280 | $13.11 |
| 25th percentile | $28,590 | $13.74 |
| Median | $30,670 | $14.75 |
| 75th percentile | $36,290 | $17.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,220 | $24.63 |
| Average (mean) | $34,120 | $16.40 |
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 | $2,555.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,277.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,179.62 |
| Weekly | $589.81 |
| Hourly | $14.75 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,670 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $33,520 | 320 |
| Traverse City, MI | $31,970 | 80 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $31,940 | 80 |
| Saginaw, MI | $31,200 | 110 |
| Flint, MI | $31,110 | 200 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $31,040 | 2,800 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $30,390 | 230 |
| Midland, MI | $30,220 | 50 |
| Niles, MI | $29,870 | 140 |
| Monroe, MI | $29,820 | 60 |
| Jackson, MI | $29,810 | 70 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $29,710 | 160 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $29,630 | 680 |
| Bay City, MI | $29,340 | 30 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $28,560 | 160 |
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 Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $32,000 | $15.39 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,340 | $12.66 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,160 | $16.43 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,380 | $17.97 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,530 | $21.89 |
| Residential Advisor | $43,730 | $21.02 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,640 | $21.94 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,390 | $22.78 |
| Funeral Attendant | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| Skincare Specialist | $48,040 | $23.10 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,300 | $17.45 |
| Concierge | $36,470 | $17.53 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $60,540 | $29.11 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area is $30,670 a year, or $14.75 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn at least $51,220 a year. The top 25% earn $36,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,280 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,590 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
About 390 animal caretakers are employed in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.