Animal Caretaker salary in Nebraska
Animal Caretakers in Nebraska earn a median of $31,680 a year ($15.23 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,100 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $52,010 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $35,360. Nebraska ranks 29th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $37,610, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Nebraska
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| 25th percentile | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Median | $31,680 | $15.23 |
| 75th percentile | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $52,010 | $25.01 |
| Average (mean) | $37,610 | $18.08 |
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 | $2,640 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,320 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,218.46 |
| Weekly | $609.23 |
| Hourly | $15.23 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $31,680 salary, see how much house you can afford in Nebraska at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Nebraska
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $32,980 | 1,280 |
| Lincoln, NE | $30,940 | 420 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,880 | 130 |
| Grand Island, NE | $28,990 | 40 |
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 Nebraska
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $34,900 | $16.78 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,740 | $14.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,110 | $14.48 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $31,440 | $15.11 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,590 | $16.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,010 | $22.12 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,910 | $21.59 |
| Skincare Specialist | $58,420 | $28.09 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,260 | $13.59 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,580 | $15.18 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $56,940 | $27.37 |
| Funeral Attendant | $30,170 | $14.51 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Nebraska
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 Nebraska?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Nebraska is $31,680 a year, or $15.23 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $52,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Nebraska?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Nebraska earn at least $52,010 a year. The top 25% earn $39,490 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Nebraska?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,080 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $29,160 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Nebraska?
About 2,100 animal caretakers are employed in Nebraska, not counting the self-employed.