Animal Caretaker salary in Salem, OR
Animal Caretakers in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $36,920 a year ($17.75 an hour), based on BLS data for 230 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,390 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 1% higher than the Oregon statewide median of $36,580. There are 1.2 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.70). The average (mean) salary is $40,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| 25th percentile | $35,150 | $16.90 |
| Median | $36,920 | $17.75 |
| 75th percentile | $42,480 | $20.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,390 | $25.67 |
| Average (mean) | $40,350 | $19.40 |
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 | $3,076.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,538.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,420 |
| Weekly | $710 |
| Hourly | $17.75 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $36,920 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $37,370 | 2,240 |
| Corvallis, OR | $36,010 | 120 |
| Bend, OR | $35,800 | 280 |
| Medford, OR | $35,710 | 150 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $35,670 | 50 |
| Albany, OR | $34,880 | 100 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $34,750 | 290 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Childcare Worker | $37,320 | $17.94 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $53,540 | $25.74 |
| Recreation Worker | $37,630 | $18.09 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $58,710 | $28.23 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $44,850 | $21.56 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $50,960 | $24.50 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,890 | $22.06 |
| Skincare Specialist | $49,340 | $23.72 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,760 | $15.27 |
| Concierge | $37,260 | $17.91 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Salem, OR metro area is $36,920 a year, or $17.75 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,390 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $53,390 a year. The top 25% earn $42,480 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,720 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $35,150 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Salem, OR?
About 230 animal caretakers are employed in the Salem, OR metro area, not counting the self-employed.