Animal Caretaker salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Animal Caretakers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $31,070 a year ($14.94 an hour), based on BLS data for 850 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,050 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 2% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $30,550. There are 1.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,780 | $11.43 |
| 25th percentile | $27,450 | $13.20 |
| Median | $31,070 | $14.94 |
| 75th percentile | $37,460 | $18.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,050 | $21.66 |
| Average (mean) | $33,910 | $16.30 |
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 | $2,589.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,294.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,195 |
| Weekly | $597.50 |
| Hourly | $14.94 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $31,070 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $33,900 | 660 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $32,810 | 2,300 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $32,720 | 100 |
| Knoxville, TN | $32,390 | 840 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $31,170 | 180 |
| Jackson, TN | $30,890 | 110 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $30,410 | 100 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $30,320 | 560 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $29,290 | 150 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $29,270 | 650 |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,770 | 120 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $28,450 | 100 |
| Johnson City, TN | $28,430 | 180 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $28,220 | 40 |
| Morristown, TN | $27,850 | 100 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $27,300 | 310 |
| Jackson, MS | $27,110 | 370 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $26,790 | 200 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $28,860 | $13.88 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,560 | $22.87 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,980 | $14.89 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,700 | $15.72 |
| Gambling Dealer | $25,180 | $12.11 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,280 | $12.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,360 | $22.29 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $32,280 | $15.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $67,120 | $32.27 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,100 | $17.36 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $32,710 | $15.72 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $31,070 a year, or $14.94 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $45,050 a year. The top 25% earn $37,460 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,780 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $27,450 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 850 animal caretakers are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.