Animal Caretaker salary in Owensboro, KY
Animal Caretakers in the Owensboro, KY metro area earn a median of $29,070 a year ($13.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,710 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,460 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 5% lower than the Kentucky statewide median of $30,720. There are 1.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $32,320, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Owensboro, KY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,710 | $10.92 |
| 25th percentile | $27,120 | $13.04 |
| Median | $29,070 | $13.98 |
| 75th percentile | $37,670 | $18.11 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,460 | $22.82 |
| Average (mean) | $32,320 | $15.54 |
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 | $2,422.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,211.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,118.08 |
| Weekly | $559.04 |
| Hourly | $13.98 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,070 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $34,590 | 2,400 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $31,200 | 60 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $31,170 | 180 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,830 | 1,640 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,540 | 2,320 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $29,730 | 120 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $29,510 | 160 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $28,060 | 180 |
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 Kentucky statewide figures.
Related jobs in Owensboro, KY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,150 | $14.02 |
| Recreation Worker | $27,000 | $12.98 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $24,690 | $11.87 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $35,440 | $17.04 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $27,890 | $13.41 |
| Residential Advisor | $18,370 | $8.83 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Owensboro, KY
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 Owensboro, KY?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Owensboro, KY metro area is $29,070 a year, or $13.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,710 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,460 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Owensboro, KY?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Owensboro, KY metro area earn at least $47,460 a year. The top 25% earn $37,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Owensboro, KY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,710 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $27,120 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Owensboro, KY?
About 70 animal caretakers are employed in the Owensboro, KY metro area, not counting the self-employed.