Animal Caretaker salary in Reading, PA
Animal Caretakers in the Reading, PA metro area earn a median of $31,320 a year ($15.06 an hour), based on BLS data for 290 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,880 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is about the same as the Pennsylvania statewide median of $31,360. There are 1.6 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,950, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Reading, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,650 | $11.37 |
| 25th percentile | $28,890 | $13.89 |
| Median | $31,320 | $15.06 |
| 75th percentile | $35,170 | $16.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,880 | $22.06 |
| Average (mean) | $33,950 | $16.32 |
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 | $2,610 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,305 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,204.62 |
| Weekly | $602.31 |
| Hourly | $15.06 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $31,320 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 other metro areas nearby
| 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 |
| 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 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in Reading, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $24,140 | $11.61 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,530 | $14.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $41,880 | $20.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,510 | $16.11 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $28,820 | $13.86 |
| Residential Advisor | $42,190 | $20.28 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,270 | $13.11 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,130 | $16.89 |
| Skincare Specialist | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Concierge | $50,130 | $24.10 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $66,470 | $31.96 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Reading, PA
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 Reading, PA?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Reading, PA metro area is $31,320 a year, or $15.06 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,880 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Reading, PA?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Reading, PA metro area earn at least $45,880 a year. The top 25% earn $35,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Reading, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,650 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,890 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Reading, PA?
About 290 animal caretakers are employed in the Reading, PA metro area, not counting the self-employed.