Animal Caretaker salary in Mississippi
Animal Caretakers in Mississippi earn a median of $26,970 a year ($12.97 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,900 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,970 for the top 10%. That is 24% lower than the national median of $35,360. Mississippi ranks 51st of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.6 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $28,270, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Mississippi
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,160 | $10.18 |
| 25th percentile | $22,190 | $10.67 |
| Median | $26,970 | $12.97 |
| 75th percentile | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,970 | $17.78 |
| Average (mean) | $28,270 | $13.59 |
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 | $2,247.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,123.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,037.31 |
| Weekly | $518.65 |
| Hourly | $12.97 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $26,970 salary, see how much house you can afford in Mississippi at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Mississippi
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $31,070 | 850 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Mississippi
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $35,130 | $16.89 |
| Childcare Worker | $22,050 | $10.60 |
| Gambling Dealer | $28,250 | $13.58 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $23,160 | $11.14 |
| Recreation Worker | $28,060 | $13.49 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $30,540 | $14.68 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $27,560 | $13.25 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $58,010 | $27.89 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $37,910 | $18.23 |
| Residential Advisor | $30,900 | $14.86 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $21,570 | $10.37 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $42,590 | $20.48 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,300 | $17.94 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $48,350 | $23.24 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Mississippi
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 Mississippi?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Mississippi is $26,970 a year, or $12.97 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,970 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Mississippi?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Mississippi earn at least $36,970 a year. The top 25% earn $29,890 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Mississippi?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,160 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $22,190 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Mississippi?
About 1,900 animal caretakers are employed in Mississippi, not counting the self-employed.