Animal Caretaker salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Animal Caretakers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $39,030 a year ($18.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,480 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,080 for the top 10%. That is 10% higher than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 2% higher than the Arizona statewide median of $38,180. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,050, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,650 | $16.66 |
| 25th percentile | $36,420 | $17.51 |
| Median | $39,030 | $18.77 |
| 75th percentile | $49,880 | $23.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,080 | $37.06 |
| Average (mean) | $46,050 | $22.14 |
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 | $3,252.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,626.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,501.15 |
| Weekly | $750.58 |
| Hourly | $18.77 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $39,030 salary, see how much house you can afford in Arizona 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | $38,180 | 150 |
| Tucson, AZ | $36,870 | 950 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $36,270 | 200 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $35,260 | 80 |
| Yuma, AZ | $35,110 | 100 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $34,290 | 130 |
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $33,340 | $16.03 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,190 | $17.40 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,660 | $16.18 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,510 | $15.63 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,990 | $21.63 |
| Skincare Specialist | $51,180 | $24.60 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,380 | $23.26 |
| Residential Advisor | $42,340 | $20.36 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $38,570 | $18.54 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $72,580 | $34.89 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $39,030 a year, or $18.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,080 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $77,080 a year. The top 25% earn $49,880 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,650 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $36,420 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 4,480 animal caretakers are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.