Animal Caretaker salary in South Carolina
Animal Caretakers in South Carolina earn a median of $31,280 a year ($15.04 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,090 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,160 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $35,360. South Carolina ranks 31st of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.8 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,640, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,880 | $11.00 |
| 25th percentile | $28,100 | $13.51 |
| Median | $31,280 | $15.04 |
| 75th percentile | $36,570 | $17.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,160 | $22.19 |
| Average (mean) | $33,640 | $16.17 |
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 | $2,606.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,303.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,203.08 |
| Weekly | $601.54 |
| Hourly | $15.04 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $31,280 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC | $35,080 | 220 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $35,000 | 730 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $34,530 | 170 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $33,530 | 2,690 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $31,010 | 730 |
| Columbia, SC | $30,720 | 880 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $30,630 | 360 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $29,910 | 440 |
| Florence, SC | $29,210 | 70 |
| Sumter, SC | $27,180 | 80 |
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 South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,650 | $14.26 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,040 | $13.00 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,420 | $15.10 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,630 | $20.98 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,100 | $21.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,550 | $23.82 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,780 | $17.20 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,490 | $12.73 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,670 | $19.07 |
| Funeral Attendant | $29,880 | $14.36 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $33,810 | $16.26 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,190 | $16.92 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
The median salary for animal caretakers in South Carolina is $31,280 a year, or $15.04 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,160 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in South Carolina earn at least $46,160 a year. The top 25% earn $36,570 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,880 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,100 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in South Carolina?
About 4,090 animal caretakers are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.