Animal Caretaker salary in Michigan
Animal Caretakers in Michigan earn a median of $30,320 a year ($14.58 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,290 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,480 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $35,360. Michigan ranks 37th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,850, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,770 | $13.35 |
| 25th percentile | $28,960 | $13.93 |
| Median | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| 75th percentile | $36,390 | $17.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,480 | $21.86 |
| Average (mean) | $33,850 | $16.27 |
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 | $2,526.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,263.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,166.15 |
| Weekly | $583.08 |
| Hourly | $14.58 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,320 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 cities in Michigan
| 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 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $30,670 | 390 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $30,820 | $14.82 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,970 | $14.89 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,580 | $13.74 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,820 | $16.74 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,520 | $21.88 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,540 | $20.94 |
| Gambling Dealer | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,740 | $20.55 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,730 | $19.10 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,240 | $21.75 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,380 | $17.01 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $29,640 | $14.25 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Michigan is $30,320 a year, or $14.58 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Michigan?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Michigan earn at least $45,480 a year. The top 25% earn $36,390 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,770 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,960 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Michigan?
About 6,290 animal caretakers are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.