Animal Caretaker salary in Pennsylvania
Animal Caretakers in Pennsylvania earn a median of $31,360 a year ($15.08 an hour), based on BLS data for 9,910 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,960 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pennsylvania ranks 30th 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 $34,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Pennsylvania
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,430 | $11.26 |
| 25th percentile | $28,400 | $13.66 |
| Median | $31,360 | $15.08 |
| 75th percentile | $36,450 | $17.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,960 | $23.06 |
| Average (mean) | $34,110 | $16.40 |
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 | $2,613.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,306.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,206.15 |
| Weekly | $603.08 |
| Hourly | $15.08 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $31,360 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,970 | 5,480 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $32,750 | 70 |
| Williamsport, PA | $32,720 | 60 |
| Lancaster, PA | $32,400 | 430 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $32,220 | 700 |
| Lebanon, PA | $32,150 | 60 |
| Reading, PA | $31,320 | 290 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $31,190 | 250 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $30,860 | 2,160 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $30,770 | 510 |
| Erie, PA | $29,780 | 210 |
| State College, PA | $29,480 | 100 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $29,400 | 300 |
| Altoona, PA | $28,670 | 70 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $27,930 | 120 |
| Johnstown, PA | $27,930 | 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 Pennsylvania
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $38,920 | $18.71 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,790 | $17.69 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,090 | $13.51 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,140 | $14.49 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,250 | $21.75 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,710 | $17.17 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $27,990 | $13.46 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $40,010 | $19.24 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,130 | $14.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| Gambling Dealer | $48,230 | $23.19 |
| Skincare Specialist | $43,620 | $20.97 |
| Concierge | $39,560 | $19.02 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Pennsylvania is $31,360 a year, or $15.08 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,960 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Pennsylvania?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Pennsylvania earn at least $47,960 a year. The top 25% earn $36,450 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,430 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,400 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Pennsylvania?
About 9,910 animal caretakers are employed in Pennsylvania, not counting the self-employed.