Animal Caretaker salary in Massachusetts
Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts earn a median of $39,650 a year ($19.06 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,900 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,060 for the top 10%. That is 12% higher than the national median of $35,360. Massachusetts ranks 4th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $45,080, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| 25th percentile | $36,820 | $17.70 |
| Median | $39,650 | $19.06 |
| 75th percentile | $47,750 | $22.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,060 | $30.80 |
| Average (mean) | $45,080 | $21.67 |
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 | $3,304.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,652.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,525 |
| Weekly | $762.50 |
| Hourly | $19.06 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $39,650 salary, see how much house you can afford in Massachusetts at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | $43,540 | 250 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $39,870 | 150 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $39,850 | 5,590 |
| Worcester, MA | $37,590 | 660 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $36,830 | 120 |
| Springfield, MA | $36,570 | 280 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $36,500 | 1,450 |
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 |
Related jobs in Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $43,580 | $20.95 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,900 | $19.66 |
| Recreation Worker | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,290 | $17.93 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,440 | $16.56 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,190 | $23.17 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,470 | $17.06 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $56,990 | $27.40 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,940 | $16.32 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $53,740 | $25.84 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,310 | $22.75 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $41,040 | $19.73 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Massachusetts is $39,650 a year, or $19.06 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,060 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Massachusetts earn at least $64,060 a year. The top 25% earn $47,750 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,910 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $36,820 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Massachusetts?
About 6,900 animal caretakers are employed in Massachusetts, not counting the self-employed.